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Urology (Expert Forum)
Scrotal lump
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.
Scrotal lump
by Hunter926, Apr 28, 2004 12:00AM
I am a 48 year old male. This morning in the shower I noticed a small lump at the bottom of my right testicle. The lump is about the size of a pea and "seems" to be somewhat separate from the testicle (kind of hard to tell since, when "palpating", it is hard to tell which is moving). It is definitely located in the bottom pole area, seemingly below and maybe a little behind the testicle (ie-it is not on the front or sides).
I recognize that most advise tells us to get all "lumps" checked out. Several years ago, I had a similar feeling lump on the top of my left testicle checked out by a urologist, who said it was absolutely "nothing to worry about". I seem to remember a similar lump in the lower right testicle also. I just have not checked there in a couple of years.
Question is: should I go ahead and see my urologist regarding this, my GP, or wait until my next scheduled visit later this summer with GP? After reading info on internet, it seems that due to location and my age, this very well may be a "spermatocele" (sp?). I guess the concern is the potential for cancer.
I guess at age 48, you become a little more suspicious for disease, but I don't want to get so paranoid that I run to the doctor for every thing potentially unusual.
Thank you for your advise and any other information you can offer...
I recognize that most advise tells us to get all "lumps" checked out. Several years ago, I had a similar feeling lump on the top of my left testicle checked out by a urologist, who said it was absolutely "nothing to worry about". I seem to remember a similar lump in the lower right testicle also. I just have not checked there in a couple of years.
Question is: should I go ahead and see my urologist regarding this, my GP, or wait until my next scheduled visit later this summer with GP? After reading info on internet, it seems that due to location and my age, this very well may be a "spermatocele" (sp?). I guess the concern is the potential for cancer.
I guess at age 48, you become a little more suspicious for disease, but I don't want to get so paranoid that I run to the doctor for every thing potentially unusual.
Thank you for your advise and any other information you can offer...
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 28, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 28, 2004 12:00AM
Causes of scrotal lumps include cysts, hydroceles, spermatoceles, varicoceles and cancer. Most types of cysts are benign, however the small possibility of cancer should be excluded.
In any case, all lumps should be evaluated. A reasonable first test would be a scrotal ultrasound, which can be ordered by a GP or urologist. I would suggest getting this evaluated sooner rather than later to ensure that a cancer diagnosis isn't missed.
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.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
In any case, all lumps should be evaluated. A reasonable first test would be a scrotal ultrasound, which can be ordered by a GP or urologist. I would suggest getting this evaluated sooner rather than later to ensure that a cancer diagnosis isn't missed.
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.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
