Mass and no TC possible?

[e3jeremey]

Hi everyone, so to keep my story short I started experiencing some pain my testicles about three weeks ago and ended up in the ER where I was diagnosed with Orchitis in my left testicle. However during the US of my scrotum the tech noted that he saw a possible tumor on the right one and suggested a visit to a Urologist and follow up Ultrasound. Fast forward a week later and the second ultrasound is done presenting once again a mass on the right testicle and my Urologist now ordering blood work including Tumor Markers. As you can guess I became stressed and worried as a 30 year old male and while I have been experiencing some pain and small swelling in that testicle I never thought anything of it.

I have another week before I can see my Urologist because of how busy he is but they received the lab work back and while they would not tell me anything on the phone with Labcorp it becomes available online for the patients immediately. Everything seems to be normal for me in terms of things like the Ldh, Hcg, Afp, and Hematocrit. The only thing off was low testosterone but thats neither here nor there for this matter. So I guess my concern or question is, has any other guy experienced this before? Any thoughts on what this mass could be if not TC?

[Davepet]

Although it may be something other than TC, not every case of TC has elevated markers, so you may still be looking at TC here. A solid mass on the U/S is rarely not TC.You need to wait for your doc to know for sure, I'm afraid.

Dave

[Talis]

I'd agree with Dave, normal markers doesn't mean no TC. Your urologist will make a decision based on all the evidence they have, but it is likely to go one of the following ways:
- Ultrasound and clinical evidence suggests TC -> Surgery (orchiectomy) to remove the testicle for pathology; plus CT scan to help with staging.
- Ultrasound not clear, but mass evident -> Surgery, or repeated ultrasound test (and then surgery if TC not ruled out)
- No mass in ultrasound / benign diagnosis identified -> All clear

Essentially, if there's a mass identified in an ultrasound scan, then the recommended action is to take it out for further analysis. You will need to wait for your urologist appointment, I'm afraid. Do please let us know when you hear more.

- T

[e3jeremey]

Thanks all. I have a feeling they are going to recommend that it comes out elevated levels or not because there were two ultrasounds with the same results. Luckily I was able to get the appointment pushed up to tomorrow so I'm hoping to have some answers then.

[JeskiM69]

My first 2 Ultrasounds showed my entire testicle to be hypoechoic. At that point it could only be one of two things: Orchitis or TC. So then er did scans (MRI and CT) and blood work. Then we knew it was TC and out it came. When TC engulfs the entire testicle it mimics Orchitis on the Ultrasound.

Keep us posted.

- Matt

[e3jeremey]

So I saw the Urologist today and he says the levels were all within the normal range and he just wants to take this with surveillance right now and do a 3rd follow up Ultrasound in 6 weeks. More waiting. :/

[Talis]

Sorry to hear there's more waiting, but it's good to hear your urologist is going to keep an eye on it. Try not to worry too much in the meantime. It's worth having a feel in a couple of weeks and if there's any noticeable growth or lump then get back in touch with them more urgently. Don't over-do the exams, though - weekly at most.

All the best,
- T