importance of the "lump"?

[maxi]

Hi everyone. There might be a really obvious answer to this but all the symptoms i have read for TC seem to say the same thing. Is a lump vital to diagnose yourself with possible TC? I ask because I think I'm getting this "dull ache" that i have read about down there, but there seems to be no change to either testicle. I have checked pretty carefully (have done for couple of years now) and found no lumps. IS the lump essential? Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

[Fish]

Hi Maxi:

If left to grow long enough, TC will form a discrete, solid, lump (tumor). Depending on the location of the tumor in the testicle, and the size of the testicle, it can sometimes be difficult to feel the lump. For both my cases of TC I couldn't feel a lump, what I could feel was a change the the consistancy of the testicle - both my tumors were deep inside the testicle rather than on the surface. Sort of like if you had a small rubber ball with a marble inside, part of the ball would feel spongy, but as you pressed on the area over the marble, if would feel more solid. Since you've had pain for a while, you should go to a urologist, chance are it's not TC, but any pains in the testicles should be checked.

Best wishes.

[Dave40306]

No lump here either but I did have almost immediate swelling after some severe pain. According to my docs, the tumor started from inside the testicle and grew very rapidly from there. The tumor eventually took over nearly the entire testicle and when the urologist saw me, he knew right away it was cancer.

Not much chance you have cancer but you should see a doc anyway.

[maxi]

Thanks guys. I'm a bit paranoid when it comes to things like this. I'm not so sure the ache, or rather a sort of pulling sensation when sitting down, is in the testicles themselves. I can't quite put my finger on it (literally or metaphorically ) - the nearest i could describe it is it feels like its in the scrotum - it's easier to reach it if i put my fingers from the back of the sack and push up into my body between the two testicles - sort of at the base of my penis, but inside if that makes any sense. Sorry, I'm not used to talking as explicitly as this. I've been caught between prostate and testicular cancers, but I don't have many of the symtoms mentioned for prostate (pain when urinating etc). Am i just being a bit silly here?

[DianeE]

Hi Max,

If it feels like something isn't right, you should get it checked out,
just to be on the safe side. My son BREwing, didn't have a lump,
but said the testicle "felt different" during a monthly exam.
I'm so glad he didn't delay getting it checked as his turned
out to be TC and he got the treatment he needed. You're not being
silly at all, unless you don't get to a doctor and get it checked out.

Diane

[Ras Joe]

Any abnornalities/pain should get checked by a urologist. There are a lot of people including myself who will be happy to help with any questions you may have, but get yourself checked regardles of a "lump" or no "lump." Hope all goes well and keep us updated. Here is a good link that may help. http://tcrc.acor.org/

[maxi]

Thanks everyone. My wife's been pestering me to take one of these full medical check-ups. I checked the paperwork and it has a testicle exam so I've given in and booked a session for Friday. Prostate exam only for guys over 50 - do you think I should insist on one even though I'm 31? I'd rather be safe than sorry. I was wondering if the ache was more in that area? Anyway, thanks for the replies and support, I'll keep you posted.

[maxi]

Just a quick update. Had the appointment today. The doctor didnt even want to hear about prostate for a guy my age (31). Said there was no way it could be. He checked my testicles and showed me how to do it properly - he said all was clear. He didnt offer any scan of any sort and said that the ache was nothing serious and would go away. He also told me that i should be doing the check every week but i read somewhere on here that it should only be every month. Hope he knew what he was talking about.

[Davie]

It's extremely unlikey you have TC, but the only way to be 100% sure is to have an ultrasound.

The tumour tends start in the centre of the testicle, and a lot of men only notice it when the tumour breaks through to the surface of the testicle, and the lump becomes noticeable.

An ultrasound can distinguish the density difference between a tumour and normal tissue. Having seen my cancerous testicle on the sonographer's screen, it easy to see why an ultrasound is so good in providing the diagnosis

Having been part of this forum now for 6 months, I've come across many posts from men with TC who had a lump, and the doctor initially prescribed antibiotics.

My ache in my testicle did preceed the lump/hardness that developed. That's not to say your case is the same, as 99 times out of 100 the ache will have nothing to do with TC.

However, I will say, listen to your body. If you feel something is untoward, insist on an ultrasound. At least it'll provide you with peace of mind.

I do applaud your proactiveness.