3 Ultrasound Tests

[tmali]

Hello everyone,

This is a great site, and I'm glad to have found it. I'm wondering if anyone may be able to provide any helpful insight into my situation. About 7 months ago, my left testicle suddenly felt very sensitive/sore to both touch and movement. I immediately noticed that I had a definite hard/firm area on the testicle (either a bump or cluster of a couple bumps) that I never noticed before. This sore feeling only lasted that one night about 7 months ago. However, I still have the the bump/nodule on my testicle.

I went to my doctor right away, and he ordered an ultrasound. The results came back indicating calcification and some small cysts. The radiologist said it isn't anything to be concerned about, and my doctor seemed to agree. He referred me to a urologist, as a precaution. The urologist reviewed the ultrasound results and ordered a second ultrasound because he could definitely feel the hard bump on my testicle. The second ultrasound came back illustrating that there were some small cysts but nothing of a concern. (No mention to calcification).

I went back to the urologist earlier this week as a follow-up. He reviewed the prior ultrasounds and gave me a physical exam. He said that he definitely feels the bump and it is quite obvious, yet the ultrasound exams have come back okay. With my last ultrasound occuring back in January, he ordered me for another ultrasound yesterday at the hospital so we could get a different person performing the test. The results/report came back good, showing no mass. It just made mention to a cyst, no calcification. However, the technician mentioned during the ultrasound exam that the hardness/bump that I was feeling was calcificification/cyst on or near the "outer wall?"....(I'm not too familiar with the anatomy of the testi).

I went to my urologist today, and he said that he thought what he was feeling was localized on the testicle (i'm not sure which part of the testicle). He was a bit concerned because again the ultrasound showed nothing of concern/importance, except the cysts. He said that he wanted to go over to the hospital afterwords to actually look at the ultrasound pictures. He called me back and said that there is calcification visible from the ultrasound and wasn't sure why it wasn't writen on the radiology/ultrasound report. He said that he is less concerned about it now, but will talk to me more tomorrow. I guess my questions are:

1. Could what I and the urologist feel just be calcification?

2. Is calcification a reason for alarm?

3. I can easily point out the bump when standing, but when lying down for the ultrasound, it seems more difficult for me to locate. How do I know if the ultrasound will capture the area of focus?

4. Before my doctor saw the ultrasound results in person, he mentioned a possible biopsy. Are biopsys the right thing to do? (he said it wouldn't be a needle, it would have to be an incision)

5. Finally, are there any questions I should be asking my doctor at this point?

I'm really sorry for such a long post, but I certainly appreciate your help.

Thanks,

tmali

[fuse929]

1. Could what I and the urologist feel just be calcification?
Calcifications can be quite large and are able to be felt through the skin.....I had one the size of a BB for 7 years.

2. Is calcification a reason for alarm?
A calcification by itself is not a reason for alarm, but some research suggests that calcium in the testicle gives you a larger than normal chance of developing TC in the future.

3. I can easily point out the bump when standing, but when lying down for the ultrasound, it seems more difficult for me to locate. How do I know if the ultrasound will capture the area of focus?
If done correctly, the nurse performing the scan will visualize the entire testicle, and all of it's tubing. If there are abnormalities, they will be visible.

4. Before my doctor saw the ultrasound results in person, he mentioned a possible biopsy. Are biopsys the right thing to do? (he said it wouldn't be a needle, it would have to be an incision)
If it turns out to be cancer, a biopsy can be dangerous in that it will possibly allow the cancerous cells to move to other parts of the scrotum.

5. Finally, are there any questions I should be asking my doctor at this point?
Since your doctor is telling you he sees cysts, he is most likely finding fluid-filled masses. Solid masses are cause for concern, since 95% of solid testicular masses are cancerous. Ask if any solid masses are visible, and ask to have blood-work done to check for tumor markers.

It is very good you are active about your own health! You are your best advocate.

Bobby

[tmali]

Bobby,

Thanks for responsing and for all the info., I appreciate it.

[fuse929]

That's what we're here for........let us know if you need anything.