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Urology (Expert Forum)
TESTICULAR CANCER CONCERN
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.
TESTICULAR CANCER CONCERN
by JaY__0__0, Jan 12, 1999 12:00AM
HeLLo im jay im 15 year old . I have noticed that my left testie is larger then the right one, my left testie have like some extention from the testie. Im really concerned that it might be testicular cancer.. as i read in my health class . One symptom of Testicular cancer can be largeness of one of the Testie. Althought i have no pain what so ever in groin or any area around the testie or stomach. I have no urination problem. BUT IM REALLY CONCERNED that this could just be sign of Testicular cancer. Im too embrassed to ask anyone about this even my friends and my dad. PLEASE RESPOND TO THIS MESSAGE. THaNKING YOU
Jay =)
Jay =)
Doctor's Answer
by hfhs M.D.-AK, Jan 12, 1999 12:00AM
_
Dear Jay,
You certainly do need to see a doctor. From your description, its sounds very suspicious for some type of abnormal growth or structure, but I can’t tell you for sure without a good physical exam. The testicles can have a little variation in size but, remember the only way to be sure this is not cancer, is to be evaluated.. There are several structures and potential abnormalities that can account for the description you gave. These other structures are a spermatocele, hydrorocele, varicocele, or hernia. All of these can be better characterized on physical exam. If there is any question, an ultrasound can be obtained to determine if the mass is intratesticular or extratesticular. There is a big difference if the mass is coming or growing inside the testicle or from the surrounding structures.
A spermatocele is a cystic structure or outpouching of the epididymus. The cyst itself is usually firm and nontender. It is usually filled with sperm and epididymal fluid and considered a benign lesion. It is possible for it to lead to a decrease in fertility however this is uncommon. The most important part of diagnosis is to make sure there is no cancerous lesion. Again this can be evaluated by a good physical exam or ultrasound.
A hydrocele, is simply fluid around the testicle, but this would not account for the lumps you feel.
Next is a varicocele which is similar to varicose veins. These are enlarged vein around the testicles and in the scrotum. About 15% of normal males have this condition.
And lastly, a hernia which is a hole in the abdomen allowing the bowel to escape from the abdomen. Sometimes the bowel can extend down into the scrotum.
I certainly can’t tell you if this is a cancerous lesion or not over the internet. Without examining you, I don’t want to comment other than instructing you to see the urologist or primary care doctor. If you have a lump in your scrotum you need to be examined by a physician and bring it to his attention. An ultrasound should be performed if the testicle cannot be fully examined or if there is any question about this diagnosis.
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.-AK
*keyword:Testicle lump
Dear Jay,
You certainly do need to see a doctor. From your description, its sounds very suspicious for some type of abnormal growth or structure, but I can’t tell you for sure without a good physical exam. The testicles can have a little variation in size but, remember the only way to be sure this is not cancer, is to be evaluated.. There are several structures and potential abnormalities that can account for the description you gave. These other structures are a spermatocele, hydrorocele, varicocele, or hernia. All of these can be better characterized on physical exam. If there is any question, an ultrasound can be obtained to determine if the mass is intratesticular or extratesticular. There is a big difference if the mass is coming or growing inside the testicle or from the surrounding structures.
A spermatocele is a cystic structure or outpouching of the epididymus. The cyst itself is usually firm and nontender. It is usually filled with sperm and epididymal fluid and considered a benign lesion. It is possible for it to lead to a decrease in fertility however this is uncommon. The most important part of diagnosis is to make sure there is no cancerous lesion. Again this can be evaluated by a good physical exam or ultrasound.
A hydrocele, is simply fluid around the testicle, but this would not account for the lumps you feel.
Next is a varicocele which is similar to varicose veins. These are enlarged vein around the testicles and in the scrotum. About 15% of normal males have this condition.
And lastly, a hernia which is a hole in the abdomen allowing the bowel to escape from the abdomen. Sometimes the bowel can extend down into the scrotum.
I certainly can’t tell you if this is a cancerous lesion or not over the internet. Without examining you, I don’t want to comment other than instructing you to see the urologist or primary care doctor. If you have a lump in your scrotum you need to be examined by a physician and bring it to his attention. An ultrasound should be performed if the testicle cannot be fully examined or if there is any question about this diagnosis.
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.-AK
*keyword:Testicle lump
