hard lump in scrotum

[jdtd]

I have found a hard lump  in the left side of my scrotum.  It is not on the testicle.
It is about the size of a penny.  Although it isn't painful, I can feel that it is there.
Not sure what this could be.

[jdtd]

Saw Urologist a week ago and he felt that they were cysts on the epedidimis and not to be concerned about them.  To make sure I went ahead and had the ultrasound today, but am expecting that to come back without any issue.  Big sigh of relief!

Thanks all for your supports and comments when I really needed a sounding board.

Tim

[Enoch Choi, MD]

You didn't list the LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) which is a nonspecific indicator of increased metabolic activity in many different organs including testicles.  

Good luck with the ultrasound, it sounds like you're getting good care.  Make sure to get all of the follow up they recommend.

[jdtd]

I got blood test back, and Dr indicates nothing wrong and has lets wait and see approach.  Will still see Urologist Wednesday for Ultrasound.  I am not sure this reflects all the tests you indicated above should be done.

The test indicates:

AFP, Serum, Tumor Marker
      DPC Immulite metodology
Result 1  Units ng/mL
Reference Interval 0-6


hCG,Beta Subunit, Qnt Serum
    Bayer Centaur/ACS methodology
Result <2   Units mIU/mL
Reference Interval 0-9

So, I guess I really still do not know anything for sure except I still have hard lump, and now feels like there may be 3 of them.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

All depends on the kind of cancer and the stage of illness.  Doing a literature review on the kind of cancer can help show you who's published the most on it, and is the most referenced by other researchers.  A second opinion is always a good idea.

[jdtd]

I still have not gotten any news on blood tests.
I would say this is the  most worried I have ever been in my life.
If after getting blood work back, and seeing Urologist Wednesday the news is cancer would it be adviseable to see an Onocologist for a second opinion?  And, do you think it would be a good idea to out of network for second opinion?

How do you go about finding out who is the best and most experienced Doctor to go see?  My Mother passed away from cancer that had matastisized in lungs and brain this past March and because of the rural area she lived I do not believe she got the care she deserved and needed to beat it.

Apologies for long post, but a little worried and freaked out.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Let us know how it goes!

[jdtd]

These are the markers Dr ordered up.  Was hoping to get result of that today, but nothing yet.  

[Enoch Choi, MD]

Getting a second opinion from a specialist is a great idea.  The ultrasound can tell if it's a solid or hollow lump.  Sounds like it is a mass after all if your doctor didn't summarily pass it off as the epididymis.  

Three serum tumor markers have established roles in testicular cancer, 95 percent of which are germ cell tumors:
The beta subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG)
Alpha fetoprotein (AFP)
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)

Are these the markers your doctor ordered?

[jdtd]

I met with Dr today and he took blood to check for markers.  General impression I got was that he did not seem to concerned.  I have also scheduled appointment with Urologist to get an ultrasound done.  This one really concerns me and don't want to leave it all in one persons hands.

[Enoch Choi, MD]

WillP1010 is right, you should have it examined.  Although it could be the epididymis that's usually soft, not hard.

Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA

[WillP1010]

you should probably get that checked out, i recently got a handout from my doctor about testicular cancer, and one of the symptoms or signs is


painful OR painless lump in scrotum or on testicle

i also have something like this, not nearly the size of a penny, but my doctor says its nothing to worry about.