Any intrascrotal space-consuming process needs to be investigated without delay. The risk of the lesion being a malignant tumor can be assessed on the basis of the differential diagnoses and investigative procedures described herein. If there is the slightest suspicion that the patient has a testicular malignancy he must be immediately referred to a specialist who will investigate any unclear space-consuming lesion by exposing the testis via an inguinal incision. Immediate treatment of a testicular tumor is of decisive importance for the patient's prognosis.