pediatric testicle calcification

[Gennyd]

My 5 year old son has been complaining of pain in his testicles for the past few months.  we just had an Ultrasound of his Kidney's Bladder and testicles.  The urologist mentioned that everything looked normal and he cannot explain the pain that my son is reporting, but he said the sonogram showed calcification on the testicles.  He commented that I should not alarmed even though it is not common in children this age.  He recommended that I return in 8 weeks for an additional sonogram in order to see if there is any change.  I asked what the implications are to this calcification at his age, but did not get an answer.  This tactic of not answering questions seems to be a common strategy.  Anyway if you have any information it would be greatly appreciated.

[Gennyd]

I want to thank Dr. Liroff for takng the time to answer my question.  I am stll a bit confused though why my son s complaining of pain.   have been told that it will pass???
thanks Ron for the advice

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

Not all testicular calcifications are the same. There may be a fairly typical calcification that is seen in a benign growth called a "dermoid cyst." There may also be microcalcifications the significance of which is unclear. For a period of time these were thought to be related to cancers and needed to be watched with serial ultrasounds. Lately, with further experience, that theory is changing. A follow-up ultrasound as your son's urologist suggested, is the most reasonable way to pursue the issue.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.

[rmprdl1964]

Hi,

I forgot to mention one more thing that might be of help. My mom, son, oldest daughter and I all have been diagnosed with a genetic condition that has resulted in other medical problems.

I myself have been consulting with a geneticist in regards to this genetic condition.
I feel that what your son is experiencing must have an origin, in order for this to happen to him. It could be likely that your son has an underlying condition that needs to be brought ot attention.

It would be worth it to ask your doctor for a referral to a geneticist. Information on both parents is used to determine if a certain condition could be of genetic origin. Not all conditions are treatable, but the sooner a condition is recognized the better the possibilities for prevention of further deterioration.

I really hope that you will be able to get some possitive answers and that there will be no ill effects from what ails your son.

God bless,

Ron

[rmprdl1964]

Hi, I don't have any answers for you, but I agree with you that most specialist avoid answereing any questions or concerns.

I have been under the care of 6 different urologists for 4 different condtions. Of the 6 that I have met, I only had 2 who were genuinely interested in answering my questions and concerns.  My most recent visit was 2 days ago, and I have more questions now then before my procedure on Wednesday.

I have also been seen by other so called specialists, with the same irritating attitude of keeping their patients dumb.

In my experience I have learned that it is important to have a good family physician who is willing to avocate on your or your family's behalf. I have made it known to my family doctor that I'm no longer willing to waste my time with specialists who don't want to address my concerns. I suspect that most of them do this due to the fact that we live in a cullture where we sue a doctor as soon as we seem to have a hint that they might have been incorrect. Yet a reall doctor who is in the profession as a love and service of his patients, will allways try to obtain as much information as possible for his patients.

In future consultations it might be of benefit to you and your son if you have another family member acompany you in the consultation. Before the urologist has had a chance to even open his mouth, state your concerens and answers and make him realize that you will not leave the consultation untill your concerns have been addressed.
Before the consultation make notes of the questions and concerns that you have. You and the other family member, both need to have these notes at hand. Remember that two people can accomplish more then one. Should you forget a question then the other can bring it to attention. It also helps in taking notes or remembering what a information a doctor has given you. One can ask the question and the other can take notes, or the two of you can alternate this role.

If a doctor does not listen to his patients, he might not have a full understanding of the condition of the patient who they are supposed to be treating.

I really hope that you will be able to find some possitive answers for your son's condittion. My wife and I have experienced what it is like to have a child with an unknow medical condition.


God bless,

Ron