Re: Testicle lump

Posted By HFHS M.D.-CK on April 10, 1998 at 16:49:49:

In Reply to: Testicle lump posted by Chris McMullen on April 01, 1998 at 14:29:01:






31 year old white male
I found a hard BB-sized lump on the top part of my testicle (near that gooy soft thing) when I was around 15 years old (about 16 years ago). At that time, I went to a urologist. He did a physical examination and said it was probibly a vericose vein and not to worry about it. Currently, I don't seem to have any change in size or pain in that testicle, but the lump kind of hurts when I manipulate it. I have been experincing discomfort on the right side of my groin, abdomen and in my right hip and thigh. I don't seem to have any enlargement in lymph nodes in my groin.
Should I be concerned about this? Could cancer take 16 years to crop-up? You would think if it was cancerous, I would be experiencing more severe symptoms.
Thank you.



  
Dear Chris,
Scrotal masses have multiple possible causes.  It would be unlikely to have a lump that could be felt years ago suddenly develop into a testicular cancer.  You may now be feeling a different lesion.  These could be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).  Testicular cancers are rare, but are the leading cause of solid cancers in men your age.  Spermatoceles are not uncommon  benign cysts near the testicle that may cause pain.  Dilated veins (varicoceles) develop in about 15% of men.
We would recommend that you visit your physician in a timely fashion, so that a careful history and physical examination may be performed.  Sometimes a scrotal ultrasound examination, and laboratory studies will become necessary to rule out a malignant process.
More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568). We can also arrange local accommodations through this number if this is your need. Please bring any physicians notes and lab test results that you may be able to obtain. These will help us greatly.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.
Sincerely, HFHS M.D.-CK
*Keyword: scrotal mass