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Urology (Expert Forum)
Epididymal Cyst vs Cancer
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
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.
Epididymal Cyst vs Cancer
by rasesa, Nov 23, 2004 12:00AM
I went to my GP today to have a "lump" in my right testicle checked out. I found it during routine TSE in the shower. To me it feels like a firm "nodule" on the right side of the right testicle near the top and rear (about the size of a BB). It is not really a "raised" bump and I have to firmly palpate the testicle to locate it (as though it is more beneath the surface or interior). As I have been doing routine TSEs for some time, when I felt it I was concerned. The doctor had great difficulty finding it, as I expected. When my scrotum is "tight" , which it was (although not too) it is very hard to discern the lump. He finally said he felt what I felt and said he thought is was an "epididymal cyst". I did some internet research and discovered that this is essentially a spermatocele but with a fluid other than sperm. I have a spermatocele on the same testicle at the bottom. The two DO NOT feel the same. The lump for firm. And, what I feel feels like it is ON the testicle..not on the epididymis. Sometimes, I even have trouble finding it again unless I am in a hot shower. He sent me off and I am to go back for a full up physical in January and which time he will recheck.
While I trust my doctor, I left the office concerned. I don't have a question, per se, just looking for some assurance that waiting 6 weeks for another check is OK. No matter what it is...would there be any significant growth (or shrinkage) in that time period?
Thanks.
While I trust my doctor, I left the office concerned. I don't have a question, per se, just looking for some assurance that waiting 6 weeks for another check is OK. No matter what it is...would there be any significant growth (or shrinkage) in that time period?
Thanks.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Nov 24, 2004 12:00AM
, Nov 24, 2004 12:00AM
The most reasonable initial test to evaluate this would be a scrotal ultrasound. This can be easily ordered by your primary care physician. The ultrasound should be able to differentiate between a cyst, spermatocele or cancer.
That being said, waiting 6 weeks to recheck is also reasonable - but the ultrasound would give a more definitive answer.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
That being said, waiting 6 weeks to recheck is also reasonable - but the ultrasound would give a more definitive answer.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
