For those fearing the worst..

[sandyman]

First of all, I am a physician (but not a Urologist). I have been lurking on this site for about five days, ever since I discovered a sandlike lesion in the middle of my left testicle. In retrospect I had first noticed it about a month ago but for some reason paid it no attention. This time, while urinating, I felt it again. It definitely felt attached to the testicle and although it is quite small, it feels quite hard. I initially tried to deny that it was there, but there is no question that it is. I have had no symptoms until the past couple days when I have developed some mild testicular pain ( I am sure from near constant self exams) and some anxiety related shortness of breath.
Somehow google led me to this site and over the past couple of days I have read almost all of the posts in this section- Scott, Dadmo, and others are dispensing terrific information.
I knew I had to get an ultrasound- I am 45 years old with three beautiful young daughters- but I agree how it can be embarrassing. I swallowed my pride and had an US, but at a facility away from my hospital!
The US was also scary but painless. I could see the screen as the (very professional) technician performed the scans. At one point I was convinced that there was a mass that was not cystic, as she was pretty silent throughout the exam.
After it was over, all of about 10 minutes, she said " I am not the physician, but it looks like only cysts. "
I had the results faxed to me as well:
"There are bilateral epididymal cysts ranging in size from 0.3-0.5 cm.
A 0.3 cyst is present in the anterior left subcutaneous area corresponding to the palpable abnormality. No other abnormalities are present"
Whew! I post this to let others know (like Scott Dadmo and others have) that most of these abnormalities that we feel are not cancerous, but if you feel one, please, please please, get it checked out.
For those who don't get quite such good news, realize that TC is one of the most curable cancers , particularly if found early.

[dadmo]

sandyman:
Congratulations on the positive outcome. I can't stress enough how curable this disease is if caught early and treated properly. Certain components of testicular cancer can spread like wildfire and a delay of several weeks can be catastrophic.

It is also very important to keep up those monthly exams even when an ultrasound says you’re ok. Don’t let the fact that your clear now, with a few lumps, mask the fact that you could develop a problem later.

[sandyman]

Thanks, Dadmo

As I've said,you guys are performing quite a service, helping all of us who come here seeking support and advice.

[Scott]

Thanks for taking the time to post the good news, sandyman. It's good to reinforce that it's important to have symptoms checked out, and far more often than not, the result is something much less serious than cancer.

[huckchef]

That's good news! Welcome to the forums doc!