Hydrocele or testicular cancer

[sylent1]

I am fifty two years old and without medical insurance. In April of this year I developed a hydrocele of the right testicle. I work out of state and while in California had UT and blood tests done. When I first developed the hydrocele my hcg levels rose as my nipples became acutely sensitive but by the time I had the tests run they were back to normal. I spent over a thousand dollars having all the tests run because I was concerned that with the elevated hcg levels and the hydrocele I might have testicular cancer. No answer was given as to whether I had cancer. I returned home and had the tests run again. The hydrocele has changed in that originally it was just the testicle but now seems to be filling the scrotum with a gel consistancy. Once again I paid to have the UT and blood tests. How do I determine whether I have testicluar cancer BEFORE I die?  

[sylent1]

These ARE specialists I've been to see. Both times I had the results gathered at a urologists but have yet to have any determination as to whether this is testicular cancer The elevated HCG levels, the original hydrocele, and the filling of the scrotum with fluid all make me suspect testicular cancer. I am waiting for the determination of my last tests but have heard that the longer one waits with testicular cancer the less chance of beating it. I feel I am running out of time and not receiving answers. The original UT showed fluid collected in the sheathe around the right testicle and by that time the HCG levels had dropped (I checked this myself by taking a pregnancy test. What markers in the alpha feto protein, LDH and HCG should I look for? Is it common for HCG levels to drop to normal again after rising with the formation of the hydrocele?

[Dr_Veena]

Hi,
    Thanks for writing in. In 25% patients testicular cancer is misdiagnosed as hydrocele, haematocele or as epididymitis.

Testicular cancer presents itself by enlargement or decrease in the size of testis, a lump in one testis or a hardening of one of the testicles, either numbness or pain, loss of sexual activity, a dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin, blood in semen, filling up of fluid in the scrotum and general weakness. Also blood tests can help, like estimating the alpha feto protein, LDH and beta HCG will help. Treatment involves removal of the testis with lymphnodes, radiation and chemotherapy.

Hydrocele is a accumulation of fluid around the testicle and is fairly common. It can occur as a result of trauma, orchitis and testicular cancer. It is treated surgically.
I think you should take a specialist's opinion on this.

Take care.