Hi all,

A few weeks ago, I felt a very small lump at the very top of my testicle whilst showering. I didn’t think any more of it. 
Just last week, I noticed there was a larger, hard lump in the same place, which was sensitive, but painless. I was surprised with how hard it felt, and how quickly it had appeared. Initially, I thought it was inflammation. 

I immediately scheduled a GP appointment and had a physical assessment that confirmed the lump. What followed was a next-day Ultrasound, where the technician described the lump as “suspicious”. He advised I contact the GP first thing the next morning to arrange bloods and an Urology appointment, which I did.

I got a phone call later that same day from the hospital to tell me they could see me the next day, and that they wanted to do bloods there and then, instead of waiting for the phlebotomy appointment I’d just made.

When I attended the appointment at the Urology department, the doctor asked me some brief lifestyle/medical history questions, did a further physical assessment (was quick, but thorough, and the testicle in question was more sensitive to squeezing), until I was finally diagnosed with likely testicular cancer. 

This was obviously the news I was dreading, but answers were still vague at this stage. I have since had my bloods taken and a CT scan, the results of which I am waiting for.

Whilst I greatly appreciate the speed at which I have been seen and the care I have received, the fact that things are moving so fast (all easily within a week) has left me confused and with questions.

For context - 

- I have no family history of TC, do not smoke, lead a healthy lifestyle.

- I am completely asymptomatic, aside from the aforementioned change in size/consistency, dull pain, and sensitivity.

- I believe the lump feels smooth and firm. I can’t tell if it moves freely or not. It is at the top of the testicle. 

- The lump arose very quickly. This was following some mild trauma/strain, hence the concern of swelling.

- This testicle is prone to ascending during sexual activity/when prone, and I have worried on occasions that it might have become twisted. 

My questions are, how conclusive is an ultrasound in diagnosing TC? Can the imaging be mistaken for anything else? (Cyst, swelling, blockage etc.). What right do I have to another investigation/a second opinion? IF the bloods and CT results are unremarkable, how might this affect diagnosis? And what are the risks of waiting a week or two to see if the situation improves as a result?

I know this must read as terribly naive, and perhaps the writing is on the wall already, but whilst I await the test results/consultation, I just want to explore the possibilities.

Thank-you.