Ease my mind over this please

[James-B]

Posted by James B. on April 21, 1999 at 13:23:01
Hi,
  I have a small question I was hoping someone could answer.  About 2 weeks
ago I was watching television on the sofa and got up to use the bathroom.
While in the bathroom I noticed a small lump on the outer side of my left
testicle.  It was probably BB sized and towards the back.  Immediately my
head said  OH NO!  so I kept feeling to see, well several minutes later
I noticed the same sized lump in the exact place on my right testicle.
On the outside near the bottom and to the back, though still on the side.
After about 15 minutes you could not even feel them any longer.
   I renoticed them last evening once again after sitting on the sofa watching
television and then visiting the bathroom.  Same sized lumps and in the exact same place on both testicles.  Then after 15 minutes, they weren't there.  I suppose this is due to the testicles moving, or changing position.
   My question is this.  Is there any part of the scrotal anatomy that this is,
I mean am I just noticing something that everyone has, I mean it is on both testicles, in the same place so I figure the chances of it being "something" has to low.  But even with that I figured I write and get an opinion since it just seems screwy.  1 lump on each testicle, in the exact same place that must be located in the backside region of the testicle that is just noticed until the testicle obviously moves or changes position.  Thanks for reading and I will look for a reply.
   James

Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on April 25, 1999 at 21:49:24

============================================
Dear James,
It is possible that what you are feeling on both testicles is actually part of the epididymis, which is part of the tubing where sperm maturation occurs.  Given that you notice the "lump" on both testicles, in the same location, it is unlikely to be something dangerous.  However,  anytime a man finds a lump--of any size--on his testicle(s), that does not resolve spontaneously, he needs to be evaluated by a physician.  Not all masses on a testicle are cancerous, but cancer should always be ruled out. Peak incidence of testicular cancer is between the ages of 20 and 40.  The usual presentation of a testicular tumor is a painless swelling or a nodule (small hard bump).  This may be noted incidentally by the patient or by a sexual partner, as well as during testicular examination. Usually they involve the testicle itself and only in 10% - 15% of cases do they spread to the epididymis or spermatic cord.  While we are talking about testicular cancer, it is not certain that this is the diagnosis.  However, if it is indeed cancer, it is quite curable, especially when discovered and treated early on.  It is important for you to follow up with your physician,  preferably a urologist, who may order an ultrasound study of the testicles/scrotum, if necessary.  Do not let fear--or false security--keep you from making an appointment.  
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
*keyword: testicular mass