Anyone else out there with testicular hardeneing?

[TEXAS123]

A few years ago I had testicular atrophy on the right side. It was uncomfortable but ended up being no big deal, tiny varicocele. The docs said that it might always be a little smaller or it might regain some or all of it's original size. Fast forward to a few weeks ago (almost a month) and the testical is gaining mass. No pain. Then it began to give the classic dull ache which spread into the abdomen. This feeling is not unlike the original varicocele pain. Now the testicle is about the same size, maybe a hair bigger than the left. This is a doubling in size AND it is definitely harder. Anybody else in the world had anything similar? I have seen a lot of people in this forum with lumps, but no one else with hardening--maybe I am just missing it. I do not have any lumps. The soonest I can see a urologist is a week from tomorrow. I am worried to say the least. It's also hard because I can't really talk to my best friend about this b/c he just lost his mom to cancer last month and I don't want to scare him until I know for sure. Really, no one knows but my wife...I really don't want to be the boy who cried wolf-but I am really, really worried. If there is anyone out there who can talk about similiar symptoms I'd love to hear from you.
Best,
Brandon

[Karen]

Texas,
A week is long to wait to see a urologist when you're so worried. I hard mass is a concern....I would suggest you get an earlier appointment or at least get him/her to send you for an ultrasound while you wait for the appointment. I doubt there's a doctor that does not have some time built into their schedule for "emergency" appointments. You're moving in the right direction getting this checked. Keep us posted and good luck!

[Scott]

I agree with Karen. Call a urologist and firmly but patiently ask for an ultrasound right away. It could be a hydrocele, but it could also be testicular cancer. Keep us posted.

[TEXAS123]

Thanks guys,
I appreciate the notes. I will try to see if I can get in for an ultra sound on Tuesday. I'm not gettting my hopes up, but it would be great if it was just a hydrocele. We'll see soon. I will keep posting. This really is a great resource out there. Thanks to anyone who is posting.
-Brandon

[toomoody]

TEXAS - I didn't really notice a lump with my TC, just an enlargement and hardening. I still think I might have been missing the "lump" but I know I also had an inflammation that eventually took me to the ER, so maybe that was hiding the lump. No matter what, I agree that you need an ultrasound and to see a Dr. ASAP. You could try calling around to different urologists on your insurance plan to get an earlier appointment. The ultrasound will most likely be done in an off-site facility so you could also request that your doctor call in the ultrasound before your meeting. If you are really getting concerned, there is the ER. When I ended up there I had an ultrasound and a cancer diagnosis within hours.

[TEXAS123]

I hear you guys loud and clear... I have called around and no doctors seem to have any immediate openings. Honestly, since my first post I have felt a lot better for the most part...less aching unless I sit for long periods. I tried really hard to get in sooner with the doc, or at least get an ultra sound but I JUST moved here and no one will send me for an ultra sound until I have been to them as a patient. On top of that my new insurance doesn't pick up until Tuesday. So I can't seem to find any way to do this before Thursday. It's pretty frustrating, but all the docs are either in surgery, booked, or just getting over their own surgeries Tuesday and Wednesday. I really do appreciate the moral support here and will post as soon as I come home from the doc.

[Scott]

The emergency room is always an option, but it sounds as though you're comfortable enough waiting a few days.

[Fish]

Texas:

For both my cases of TC, I could not feel a discrete lump on the surface of the testicle. My tumors were deep in the middle of the testicles. The only thing I noticed was a more firm area when doing a self exam, and pain if the testicle was pinched between my legs. If you can't get to a urologist soon after your insurance kicks in, the by all means go to the ER and tell them you have pain in your testicle.

Best wishes.

[Sans rt1]

Hardness and a little larger were my symptoms as well, with no lump at all, but there was also a dull ache. I had been struck in the nuts by a stray baseball, so I told myself it was because of an injury - but it is so easy it is to fool yourself into thinking that maybe it is a little smaller this week, so I will wait a little longer. When I finally decided it was time to call my doctor, he squeezed me into his schedule right away for a quick examiniation near the end of that day. He was concerned enough (for good reason) to drop everything and spend 20 more minutes on the phone to get me in immediately for an ultrasounand and then got me an early appointment with a urologist first thing the next day.

We will pray that it is not TC, but it is best to get it checked out right away. Keep us informed.

[TEXAS123]

SONO and Surgery!!!

Well guys,
I saw the doc at 3:30p today...they took blood, urine, and examined the boys. After that they told me that until we know otherwise we are calling this TC. Yep. I am surprinsingly OK, I really kinda knew. The doctor said normally they would not wait even overnight in a case like this to remove the "little fella" but the SONO guy was gone for the day. He actually said something about an "old adage" regarding not letting the sun set on TC...seriously. So tomorrow at 6:00am I am off to the hospital for a sonogram. The doc asked me not to eat anything since we would probably be in surgery later in the day. Maybe (big maybe) it is still nothing, but this time tomorrow I will likely be a few grams lighter I will keep you all posted. Thanks again for the posts and the advice/support. It is amazing how much it means to me to know that there are other people out there dealing with this too.
-Brandon

ps-My freakin dog is sick too! Our schnauzer, the dog I got on my 15th birthday (I am only 26 so she is not too ancient) is in the hospital. She has some unknown liver problem. So if you pray, throw one in for Schautzie, my pup.

[Scott]

Hey, Brandon, best wishes to you (and your dog). We'll hope to hear from you tomorrow or the day after.

[Karen]

Brandon,
Well, sorry to hear it's suspected TC but glad you noticed it and got to a doc. You definatley have the right attitude . Good luck today and let us know how everything goes. And best wishes for Schautzie too! We're here for you every step of the way.

[dadmo]

Brandon:
Good luck today.

[Fish]

Brandon:

Best wishes for you and your faithful companion. Hopefully your exam will show it's nothing serious. But even if it is TC, you'll be fine. A nurse once told me if you have to get cancer, TC is the one to get. Let us know what happens.

[TEXAS123]

My DOC ROCKS

So,
I went in at 6:30am for the sono, it was a hard mass. The GOOD news is we are going to get to keep lefty for now. They are takng my right testical at 11am. I am about to leave for the hospital right now. You guys are awesome. Thanks for checking so often and caring. No matter what happens I will continue to be a part of this forum. It is such a great resource. A real blessing. I will post something soon.
Thanks,
B