Not sure if it is....but I'll ask anyway.

[jay]

First of all, I'd like to say that this is a great place that I have learned some info on TC. As embarrased as I am to ask these questions, I know I won't be bashed in these forums. So I'll just explain what's going on.

A few months ago, I sat down hard on my right testicle. This was a pretty hard chair and I sat down fairly hard that it hurt. I didn't think anything about this at the time and the pain eventually went away.

Recently, while in the shower, I did a TSE remembering that I should do this monthly. I noticed that my right testicle had a lump the size of a marble. I'm not sure if the lump is in the testicle, but when I feel it, it seems to me that it's above the testicle and seems separated or so. Is this at all possible?

I have made an appt. for my doctor for this Tuesday, and I'm really concerned. I've never had something like this happen to me before and it's really beginning to affect my life. I hardly can eat because I'm anticipating that something is really wrong with me. I mean, i'm trying not to hide from this, but at the same time, I wish it were just a dream. If there is a lump or something down there at all, it means it's not normal. Could this be TC or something else? I'm not quite sure about Epididymis and Hydrocele's either.

I guess what I'm worried about is surgery being one thing and radiation and chemo being another. I've lost my grandma and aunt when they had breast cancer and every time they mentioned their radiation and chemo treatment experience i'd wince. If you simply remove the cancer, etc., do you need to receive radiation and/or chemo?

Sorry to be asking this much questions, hopefully many will respond to what is still rather unclear to me. Thanks.

[jay]

wow, no one?

[cyborg5021a]

wht ur doctor says?? i m new to this forum so dont know much abt it.

[Lucky Luke]

I am by no means an expert, actually quite the opposite.. However I will say that go to the doctor, get an ultrasound and hopefully that will give you a definitive answer.

Whilst its good you know some of your options if it turns out to be TC, I wouldnt stress out about chemo and radiation just yet. In my understanding, lots of TC is cured after the initial operation and many do not require either chemo or radiation.

In saying that, you havent been diagnosed with TC, you must go see your doctor.

He/she will hopefully be able to diagnose your lump (with the help of an ultrasound).

Goodluck and keep the board updated.

I am sure someone with a little more expertise will have more to say.

[Scott]

I noticed that my right testicle had a lump the size of a marble. I'm not sure if the lump is in the testicle, but when I feel it, it seems to me that it's above the testicle and seems separated or so. Is this at all possible?

From this description, I don't expect it will be testicular cancer, but you're doing the right thing by having it checked.

I have made an appt. for my doctor for this Tuesday, and I'm really concerned. I've never had something like this happen to me before and it's really beginning to affect my life. I hardly can eat because I'm anticipating that something is really wrong with me. I mean, i'm trying not to hide from this, but at the same time, I wish it were just a dream. If there is a lump or something down there at all, it means it's not normal. Could this be TC or something else? I'm not quite sure about Epididymis and Hydrocele's either.

Anything is possible, but it's probably something much less serious than testicular cancer. It's easy to say and hard to do, but try to relax until you've seen your doctor. No matter what you find out, you'll be surprised how much inner strength you have when you need it!

I guess what I'm worried about is surgery being one thing and radiation and chemo being another. I've lost my grandma and aunt when they had breast cancer and every time they mentioned their radiation and chemo treatment experience i'd wince. If you simply remove the cancer, etc., do you need to receive radiation and/or chemo?

If it's caught early enough, surgery alone can cure testicular cancer. Radiation therapy (for pure seminoma only) and chemotherapy are effective treatments for metastatic disease.

Sorry to be asking this much questions, hopefully many will respond to what is still rather unclear to me. Thanks.

Don't worry about asking questions. That's why we're here!

Good luck with your doctor's appointment, and let us know what you find out.

[jay]

Thanks Scott, that's very good insight you've given. I appreciate it. Is it possible that the lump can be still attached in a sense to the testicle but still be separated so to say? Weird question. But when I feel it, it seems to be two pieces, though connected in a way.

[Scott]

No, I don't believe so. Testicular cancer would be inside the testicle.

[jay]

UPDATE: Saw my primary care physician this morning and after waiting for about an hour and 15 minutes, he finally saw me. He was nice and patient and gentle. We are all guys here, and believe me, you do not need to feel embarrassed at all about someone else examining your testicles or penis area. He made me feel comfortable and was professional. He examined both testicles and he said that he doesn't think that I have anything to worry about. He said that the lump that I may have could be a spermatocyte or a cyst. He did refer me to a urologist, however. So I have to make an appointment for that. My doctor is really great. If there was any doubt in his mind, he would have handled the situation differently and probably would have ordered a blood test or a urine sample along with an ultrasound.