Info needed

[lockupcity]

Hi, everyone. I need some help! Does anyone know what a HYPOECHOIC MASS IS? I cant find out the def any where. If anyone has this info please tell me. Thanks James

[Scott]

James, there's an entry for this term in the TCRC dictionary:

A term used to describe a part of an ultrasound image where the echoes are not as bright as normal or are less bright than the surrounding structures. Hypoechoic structures in the testicle usually mean there is a solid mass inside the testicle, and that mass is very likely to be cancerous and should be removed.

[lockupcity]

Thanks

Thanks Scott,
I have been looking for that for a day or two. Question to Scott or anyone? If your sono report states you have a mixed Hypoechoic mass with some blood flow, and the U/R (Dr) states that he thinks theres nothing to worry about. What do you all think. James

[Karen]

Thanks Scott,
I have been looking for that for a day or two. Question to Scott or anyone? If your sono report states you have a mixed Hypoechoic mass with some blood flow, and the U/R (Dr) states that he thinks theres nothing to worry about. What do you all think. James

What's the entire text of the report as written by the radiologist? Based on what you've stated so far I'd take the report and film and get another opinion. Hard to really comment witout knowing the whole statement by whomever read the films.

[Scott]

I agree with Karen. Based on what you've said, I'd get a second opinion. Remind me, have you ever had a blood test for tumor markers?

[Fed]

If your sono report states you have a mixed Hypoechoic mass with some blood flow, and the U/R (Dr) states that he thinks theres nothing to worry about. What do you all think.

I agree with Karen's and Scott's assessments: get a second opinion. A hypoechoic mass with bloodflow could be indicative of a tumor. Cancer needs to feed; and to do that, it builds blood vessels in its vicinity. A hypoechoic mass with bloodflow is worrisome, hence the need for a second opinion.

[lockupcity]

full text

Karen and others, this is the full report.Both appear normal insize and shape bilaterally. There is seen a mixed, mainly hypoechoic mass in the right testicle posteriorly in the periphery. It measures approximately 6mm in greatest dimension. There is some blood flow seen within this. Blood flow appears normal otherwise in the testicle, and blood flow on left side appears normal. No other focal defect or mass is seen otherwise in the testicles on either side.

Do I need to worrie, or does it sound like good news? Also I think Karen asked about blood test and yes I did have it done and it came back ok. Also how fast does a TC lump grow?

[Fed]

There is some blood flow seen within this.

This is the part that has me concerned. Granted, I am not an M.D., so my opinion is unqualified. Personally, I would feel more comfortable if I got another read on this.

Do I need to worrie, or does it sound like good news? Also I think Karen asked about blood test and yes I did have it done and it came back ok. Also how fast does a TC lump grow?

Any solid testicular mass is worrisome because 95% of the times, a solid mass is malignant. I am assuming that they did the full tumor panel (beta-HCG, AFP, LDH) and they all came within normal range. That's a good sign, but keep in mind that there are many types of TC that do not produce markers at all (seminomas and some embryonal carcinomas come to mind).
Most kinds of TC are aggressive and grow rapidly, which is why we are highlighting the urgency of the situation. As I said before, a second opinion wouldn't hurt, and if both docs concur, then you should likely get another U/S done within a few weeks to see if there are any changes -but I'm getting ahead of the game here. Hope this clears up some stuff.

[Karen]

I agree with Fed's comments on this. I'd get a second read on the films and if they are inconclusive I'd get a repeat US. Peace of mind is worth it.