Right Diagnosis?

[cloak]

In June I started feeling pain in my left testicle (the only testicle I have thanks to a torsion in high school) and slight swelling, so I went to the hospital. After a battery of tests, including physical examination, urinalysis, and testicular ultrasound, the doctor diagnosed me with epididymitis and gave me a prescription for five days of 500mg Levaquin for the epididymitis.

I had a follow up with the urologist on June 30, who after physical examination and urinalysis, said my infection was clear. Presently, I am free from pain most of the time, except for when I am seated for a long time (such as at the office), when I feel a tingling or burning sensation in my groin and upper thigh area, and slight swelling. The entire area generates a lot of heat, though I don't have a fever. This sensation largely goes away when I stand. Also, during self-exam, I can feel a small pea-sized lump on the back of my testicle near the top, but a little bit down. Shound I be worried that I have TC that was misdiagnosed as epididymitis? Epididymitis was scary enough with only one testicle, I can’t image losing the 2nd one.

I have a regular physical with my PCP in two weeks, and plan to bring this up with him then if things haven’t changed or if I don’t have panic attack in the meantime.

[MROSE]

Hello!

It sounds like you have had a pretty thorough check-up so far, and although it's really hard to trust doctors sometimes, we need to. I'm glad you are so in tune to your body - DEFINITELY ask questions about the lump you feel, it can only help to get a second opinion. The other symptoms you are feeling that have been relieved do not sound TC-related.

Keep us posted!
Melissa

[cloak]

Ok, now I'm scared...

Had my phyiscal today. My PCP called the lump "suspicious" because it was hard and NOT on the epididymus, but rather on the testicle itself, left side about 2 o'clock high and towards the back. He wants me to go back to the urologist.

So, I got my urology appointment tomorrow morning (funny how quickly they jump when you say "testicular lump") and I'm SCARED AS HELL. 29, single, no GF, and I've already lost one testicle to a torsion. I have no idea what I'm going to do if the doc says I have cancer!

[Fish]

If, and it's still a big if at this point, you do have cancer, you WILL get through it just like everyone else has.

I lost both testicles to TC and yes it did suck, but I'm happy to be alive and as for the testicles, I don't even miss them anymore.

But don't think too far ahead for the moment. Let's find out what the urologist says. Make sure you check back and let us know. The folks on this forum are GREAT, the absolute best, and they'll help you deal with whatever turns up.

Best of luck.

[IowaBrian]

I think your doctor is doing the right thing by sending you to URo for consult. I doubt that the doctor by feeling it can tell if it is solid so I bet they send you for another ultrasound. If the ultrasound is neg for solid mass they may watch it for a month to see what it does. The meds you were on are very strong but I was given that for infection and it didn't seem to help so they might try something else if it is an infection. Odds are low that it is cancer so you have that on your side. Check back after your visit if you have any other questions. Try not to worry too much
Brian

[Karen]

You're on the right track with a urologist visit. An ultrasound is essential and blood work to check for markers is the next or concurrent step. I'm an advocate of going to a doc appointment prepared to ask questions, so I refer you to http://tcrc.acor.org for a list of questions to ask and a lot of information that will come in handy to decipher terms IF they suspect TC. Let us know what happens with your visit and we're here to support you!

[Scott]

I have no idea what I'm going to do if the doc says I have cancer!

You'll make it through and can count on us for support. If the doctor does say the testicle needs to be removed, be sure to think about banking sperm. Good luck, and keep us posted.

[dadmo]

Cloak:
Make sure to bring a pencil and paper so you can write everthing down, having a friend or family member along isn't a bad idea either. If someone else is with you you should both take notes. Let's hope for a good outcome but it can't hurt to be prepared.

[cloak]

relief

Ok, I got back from the urologist and he is "99% certain" it's an "appendex teste" and not TC. He could feel the lump, which he said was less than .5cm in diameter and firm, but mobile on the surface of the testicle (I noticed this too-- it's like attached by a tail). He didn't order an ultrasound because he could feel no intratesticular mass and because the one I had for my epididymitis 6 weeks ago didn't detect any abnormalities (though I did ask if I needed one to be certain). He just said I have to watch it and return if it ever gets bigger or changes consistency.

[Fish]

Great news! Glad to hear you're OK.