Lump found a week ago, got it checked out.. What do you think?

[ShaunG95]

Hi all and nice to see there's a support forum

About a week ago(last Sunday) I discovered a small, half a pea(maybe even a quarter haha) sized lump attached at the very top of my right testicle and by the epididymis. I instantly panicked and looked up symptoms of TC, today I went to the doctors and he felt around and he said it feels like it's on the epididymis and he doesn't think it's anything to worry about. I've noticed for a while my right testicle is cold and quite firm, I decided to see how firm it was and compared it to my left, they both seem quite tough, they give a tiny bit when gently squeezed but that's it. Is it normal for my right testicle to be quite cold and firm to touch? I asked my doctor about the firmness and he said all testicles are different, some are firmer and some are softer. They both SEEM to be the same size, it doesn't feel or look swollen to me. I'm booked for an ultrasound in 2-3 weeks to see if it could be anything dangerous but the doc reassured me that he thinks it's nothing to worry about.

What do you guys think?

Thanks guys
Shaun

[cbvance]

ultrasound is best bet

The ultrasound is very good at detecting a solid mass in the testicle. My cancerous testicle was about twice the size of the other and as hard as a rock. The ultrasound indicated that it was a neoplasm.

[MJR]

Hey Shaun.

We all understand how concerning it can be when you find something that isn't supposed to be there (and the wait to get answers sure as hell doesn't help either) but considering the lack of other symptoms I think the odds that this is TC are pretty low. I know it's a little different for everyone, but when I swelled up, I REALLY swelled up, and the difference in firmness between my swollen testicle and the other one was like day and night. I also used a high powered flashlight to check for transparency just out of curiosity and the difference between the two there was like day and night as well. The dull ache I had experienced on top of that, along with how quickly it all came on, made it very clear TC was a high probability for me (and this was all before I made the first call to my doctor).

I know it's easier said then done, but try to stay relaxed about it. I don't think you have much reason for panic. You came to the right place to ask as many questions as you need to, though. Very helpful bunch here. Keep us updated on what your doctor finds and good luck to you.

[Davepet]

We all understand how concerning it can be when you find something that isn't supposed to be there (and the wait to get answers sure as hell doesn't help either) but considering the lack of other symptoms I think the odds that this is TC are pretty low.

Ummm. sorry, MJR, but the main symptom of tc is a painless lump on a testicle, no other symptoms need be present to confirm. Every lump needs to be checked by a doc& if the doc isn't 100% sure it is nothing, an U/S. The lump is most often the only symptom of TC for most guys.

Dave

[MJR]

Ummm. sorry, MJR, but the main symptom of tc is a painless lump on a testicle, no other symptoms need be present to confirm.

Dave

I agree every lump should be taken seriously and checked, and I understand what you're saying, Dave, but considering TC is not the most common cause of a lump and less than 4 or 5% of them are cancerous, there's no particular reason to start stressing about TC right away. There's a 95%+ chance it's something else. I'm just saying with more symptoms present there may be more cause for concern initially, as it was in my particular case. My apologies if I made it sound as if other symptoms are a requirement for a TC diagnosis.

[DoubleZero]

Every lump needs to be checked by a doc& if the doc isn't 100% sure it is nothing, an U/S.

I'd go further and say even if your doc is 100% sure, an U/S is still in order. With my first, my doctor thought it was nothing, then the urologist thought it was a hydrocele. I remember well my meeting with him after my ultrasound and he (the urologist) saying "well that was surprising".

[DoubleZero]

...but considering TC is not the most common cause of a lump and less than 4 or 5% of them are cancerous...

I think you've got your numbers mixed up here... TC is not "that common" a cancer. However in terms of lumps on testicles most (90%+) are indeed cancerous.

[ShaunG95]

Thanks guys, now I'm panicking. I'm going to see another doctor tomorrow to get another opinion, it's not changed in 2 weeks - My ultrasound is due sometime soon but I'm panicking, going to get it thoroughly checked tomorrow by someone else too. Will let you know what the other doctor says.

Thanks :/

[Luc]

I think you've got your numbers mixed up here... TC is not "that common" a cancer. However in terms of lumps on testicles most (90%+) are indeed cancerous.

I think MJR is saying most lumps and bumps in the testicular area are benign cysts, etc. About 5% of lumps are solid masses and of these, 95% are cancerous. I think what he's trying to say is there's a good chance it could be something harmless and there's no need to panic.

[MJR]

I think MJR is saying most lumps and bumps in the testicular area are benign cysts, etc. About 5% of lumps are solid masses and of these, 95% are cancerous. I think what he's trying to say is there's a good chance it could be something harmless and there's no need to panic.

Yes, thank you, Luc.

If you really think about it, 90-95% of all testicular lumps being cancerous would mean practically everyone who first posts here with concerns would be diagnosed with TC. Maybe 1 in 20 or 30 would be lucky enough to end up with a cyst or something else. Thankfully, that doesn't seem to be the case.

Shaun, have you heard anything from the doctor yet?

[ShaunG95]

Thanks guys, I'm at ease now. Sorry for the late reply my net went down.

I went to see the doctor again and he changed my scan from non-urgent to urgent, he said that I'm causing myself unnecessary panic and the sooner I get it scanned the sooner I can stop worrying, he still says he puts his money on it that it's nothing.

Anyway, scan is scheduled for Friday 27th July! Fingers crossed!

[Jimmerz]

Good job on the Ultrasound.

I had no pain or swelling. I actually wasn't even sure what I felt ( It was like I was guided by God to check). I went to the doctor and he too felt nothing, I was relaxed but he suggested an ultrasound just to be safe, VERY GLAD he did!

I ended up have a small mass and within 3 days I was having my I/O. Everything moved fast to that point, but then a little waiting and researching and finding this site and I was able to relax a little.

I have now had 3 CT scans and I get my bloodwork done monthly for my surveillance, so far so good. I do not like the CT scans due to the Dye they inject and I always end up with a black and blue arm, but The CT scans will reduce after my 1st year.

I am now about 5 months out and holding steady, cancer free...whew!

Good luck with everything, but remember even if it is something, your chances are pretty good. This forum has a ton of good people with a lot of knowledge, so make sure you ask away, I think it will ease your mind talking to others who have already gone through something similar.

[ShaunG95]

Had my scan, I had a TINY cyst on my right which has very slightly reduced in size, the Ultrasound was all clear Thank you all so much for your support and help, I hope that I never have to go through something like this again, take care all and live strong

[MJR]

Had my scan, I had a TINY cyst on my right which has very slightly reduced in size, the Ultrasound was all clear Thank you all so much for your support and help, I hope that I never have to go through something like this again, take care all and live strong

Glad to hear it's not something more serious, Shaun.

Good luck!