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Worried. I have testicular cancer, tender hard lump three years

colt24
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Hello guys, first time poster! I'm from United Kingdom, hello once again.

Cut a long story short, three years ago I noticed a tiny hard lump on my right testicle. The size of a pinhead. In the space of three years, The lump has tripled in size. Around one month ago I have been getting bizarre symptoms. My right testicle is very tender to touch, I have complete loss of appetite, dull aching sensation in my lower back. And slight shortness of breath. Slight stinging sensation when passing water and Ejaculation. Please note I have received a number of ultrasounds over the space of three years and have a number of cysts in both epidermis... My concern is the lump on my right testicle was never detected in the ultrasounds.. Last year I did see a urologist and he did feel the lump, and confirmed it was on the surface of the testicle, he was under the impression it was a cyst. Although he did not do an ultrasound... I recently went to accident and emergency due to my pain and symptoms and now awaiting emergency ultrasound and emergency urology referral.. I have also had and urine sample taken which has come back clear.

I have a few questions. If anyone could answer...


Is it possible the ultrasound was unable to detect the lump because it was too small?


When a testicle is infected with cancer does the whole testicle show up as a solid mass?


If my next ultrasound is unable to detect the lump. What should I do?


Is it still possible to have a cancerous lump which is unable to be detected, even though the testicle looks completely normal on ultrasound?


I'm really concerned, because I have had the lump for three years now and only recently been getting these symptoms. I guess all I can do now is wait for the ultrasound and urology appointment, which is 2 or 3 weeks away


I recently had an ultrasound on my stomach because I damaged my abdominal muscle belly in a sporting injury, I don't suppose that would find any abnormalities in a stomach region with regards to the organs?

it's probably worth mentioning also, my left leg has been going completely numb on and off, for the past two days... I'm slightly concerned because I'm pretty sure it's connected towards the back pain... Some type of compression on the nerves?

Apologies for this poorly constructed message, I'm using a voice recognition program to control my PC because I have repetitive strain injury on both arms
. Thanks very much!!
  • Offline in reply to colt24

    Hi Colt


    I have been reading your thread, and to be honest, I really don't know what to advise. I know a lot more about Prostate Cancer, but it really does not sound like that at all.


    Have you read the information pages on this site? You can access this by clicking the top right hand 'Our Other Websites' on Patient Information. this brings up a search box. Scroll down to Testicular Cancer. This gives a lot of information regarding this condition, including further contact addresses/web addresses. I looked on a specific Testicular Cancer address, and then their forum, but there did not appear to be much information there.


    The one thing I did discover is that TC would show up in blood results, using 3 different markers. However, you maintain that all your blood results have come back negative. Are you certain that your DR requested this blood test for TC to be carried out?


    I was a bit concerned to read that you are suffering intermittent numbness in one leg. This would usually be a nerve compression problem, as you suggested yourself, however, you should really have this checked out by your GP to be certain.


    I would have thought that a specific Ultrasound to Testicles/Scrotum would have picked up something, if it were there, especially after 3 years, since you first noted the growth.


    Again, I apologize for my lack of information on this condition. There are one or two other threads on this subject currently running. You could read them, and maybe send a PM to the author. Usually most members are happy to help, and addresses remain confidential, as are sent via Moderators.


    Best of luck, and will be keeping an eye on your thread for any updates. I am usually always around if you want to chat more.


    With regards and best of wishes

    jadziadax

  • Offline in reply to jadziadax

    Thanks for the reply, I haven't currently had any blood tests. I did ask my local doctor, Although he said the ultrasound was more important. I'm slightly concerned about the pain I am getting in my lower back. If pain worsens I may consider going back to accident and emergency and demanding an x-ray. Thanks for your advice and support.

  • Offline in reply to colt24

    Hi Colt

    According to the literature, the blood tests should be done as a matter of routine. I would push this with GP if I were you. It also stated that sometimes an Ultrasound won't pick up TC, hence blood results.

    It could well be that your lower back pain & leg numbness are a completely separate issue, and not connected. Certainly do get it checked, and if the pain is as bad as you say, then definitely a trip to A&E I would think.

    It is a very frustrating situation to be in, and I have had more than my share of battles with the NHS and Medics, trying to get treatments sorted, scans arranged etc. However, what I will say is that you also need to push them to get anywhere. Make a nuisance of yourself if you have to, but get to the bottom of what the problem is. There is most definitely something not right here, and you need some peace of mind, a diagnosis, and/or a treatment plan.

    Once again, best of luck, and I will be following your thread.

    With regards and best of wishes

    jadziadax

  • Offline in reply to jadziadax

    Thanks for your support, I will definitely ask for blood tests tomorrow. I will keep you posted.

    Thanks again

    Kind regards
    James

  • Offline in reply to colt24
    Hi James

    The below excerpt is from the home pages here, in the TC section. I apologize for not adding the link, however, I cannot get them to work since this site has been re-vamped. Apologies for any inconvenience.

    With regards and best of wishes

    jadziadax

    Blood tests

    Testicular cancers often produce hormones that can be measured in the blood. Doctors call them 'markers'. There are 3 different markers that testicular cancers can make

    AFP or alpha feta proteinHCG or human chorionic gonadotrophinLDH or lactate dehydrogenase

    If you have abnormal levels of any of these markers in your blood, then you could have testicular cancer. But you could have a cancer without raised markers. Not all testicular cancers make these chemicals.

    Raised markers are more common in pure teratomas and mixed tumours than in pure seminomas. The level of the markers may be used by your doctor to decide which treatment you should have. If your markers are at high levels, you may need more treatment.

    Raised AFP is never found in pure seminoma - if it is, it means there must be at least some non-seminoma cancer cells in the tumour.

    The level of the marker in your blood will be tested throughout your treatment and your follow up. This is because the marker will go down as your treatment works. Or it could rise again if your cancer comes back after you have finished your treatment. You will still be tested for markers as part of your follow up, even if you have not had raised markers in the past.

    Message was edited by: jadziadax

  • Offline in reply to jadziadax

    Thank you very much, I have just noted them down for tomorrow.. Hopefully the GP will be understanding, and won't make me feel like an idiot

  • Offline in reply to colt24

    Hi James

    Do your best. If you have problems, then come back on here. There is always more than one way to solve a problem..... !

    Best of luck, and will chat tomorrow.

    With regards and best of wishes

    jadziadax

  • Offline in reply to jadziadax

    Hello, just a little update..


    I've just come back from a doctors appointment, I requested LDH,AFP and HCG and other standard blood tests.. Also I requested an x-ray on my chest, due to the shortness of breath I've been experiencing.
    The doctor seemed to think my shortness of breath and complete lack of appetite is due to anxiety.. Even though I told him I experienced the shortness of breath, way before I had concerns about testicular cancer.. I don't understand why some doctors have to be so patronising and unsupportive? I never thought asking for simple blood test and a x-ray would cause such fuss...... Oh well grant over

  • Offline in reply to colt24

    Hi James

    So did he take any Bloods after all that? I was wondering if your GP is in a Practice? If so, then you could see any other GP at the same Practice if you feel you are not being listened to. If you truly feel that something is not right, then you will have to push/demand/insist/repeat your request until they get so sick and tired of you they will give in. I know that is not right, and not what we are all used to doing, but believe me, you really have to be proactive in this day and age. If you do your research, and have the facts to hans like you did today, then 'no' shouldn't be an option.

    I really do hope that you can get to the bottom of this. All this worry is no good for anyone. Come back for a chat if the worry is doing your head in, I am a good listener !

    Take care of yourself.

    With regards and best of wishes as always

    jadziadax

    x



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