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Urology (Expert Forum)
Should I wait for Appointment?
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Should I wait for Appointment?
by Greg C, Sep 21, 1999 12:00AM
I have made an appointment to see a urologist. But, due to a lack of urologists in my area, I have to wait 10 days to see him. I'm wondering if I should wait this long, or go to the walk in clinic. I'm afraid they will just refer me to a urologist anyway.
Here's what's going on. About a week ago I felt a swelling nodule on my testicle near the bottom. There was no pain then. It feels like the same tissue on my other testicle, but larger and slightly tender. I believe from reading these archives that I probably have epididimytis. About 4 days ago it started to ache (dull) and the testicle is a little tender. Nothing acute. I now feel the lymph nodes in the groin area have become tender and swollen (trying to do their job fighting infections?). If it is epididimytis, can it wait another 10 days before treatment? I am also concerned about the slight possibility of cancer. I know testicular cancer grows rapidly. Will 10 days make a difference in the unlikely event it is cancerous? Would a trip to the clinic and referal get me an appointment with a urologist sooner?
Thanks for your help!
Here's what's going on. About a week ago I felt a swelling nodule on my testicle near the bottom. There was no pain then. It feels like the same tissue on my other testicle, but larger and slightly tender. I believe from reading these archives that I probably have epididimytis. About 4 days ago it started to ache (dull) and the testicle is a little tender. Nothing acute. I now feel the lymph nodes in the groin area have become tender and swollen (trying to do their job fighting infections?). If it is epididimytis, can it wait another 10 days before treatment? I am also concerned about the slight possibility of cancer. I know testicular cancer grows rapidly. Will 10 days make a difference in the unlikely event it is cancerous? Would a trip to the clinic and referal get me an appointment with a urologist sooner?
Thanks for your help!
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS M.D.-BE, Oct 05, 1999 12:00AM
Dear Realowl,
What you have described could certainly be epididymitis. This condition should be treated once it is diagnosed, because the longer it goes without treatment the more difficult it would be to treat. You don't necessarily need a urologist to treat this condition. Your primary doctor or the doctors at the walk in clinic should know what to do. The usual treatment includes antibiotics for two weeks, in addition to anti inflammatory medications to help relieve the pain and swelling.
As far as follow up, it would be wise to see a urologist for a definitive evaluation. As a rule a urologist sees a testicular mass right away, unless the process is more suggestive of an infection/epididymitis. If you are started on a course of treatment with antibiotics before your scheduled appointment, the ten day wait would not be a problem in case of epididymitis.
If you are evaluated by a primary doctor/ walk in clinic, and they find a mass on your testicle which is concerning, then they should be able to get you an appointment with a urologist right away. Regardless, you must be seen by some one soon.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
What you have described could certainly be epididymitis. This condition should be treated once it is diagnosed, because the longer it goes without treatment the more difficult it would be to treat. You don't necessarily need a urologist to treat this condition. Your primary doctor or the doctors at the walk in clinic should know what to do. The usual treatment includes antibiotics for two weeks, in addition to anti inflammatory medications to help relieve the pain and swelling.
As far as follow up, it would be wise to see a urologist for a definitive evaluation. As a rule a urologist sees a testicular mass right away, unless the process is more suggestive of an infection/epididymitis. If you are started on a course of treatment with antibiotics before your scheduled appointment, the ten day wait would not be a problem in case of epididymitis.
If you are evaluated by a primary doctor/ walk in clinic, and they find a mass on your testicle which is concerning, then they should be able to get you an appointment with a urologist right away. Regardless, you must be seen by some one soon.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-BE
Member Comments (1)
by jeff, Sep 21, 1999 12:00AM
To: Testicular Cancer
0