Hello, ricric-ga!
It is difficult as we age and find our bodies doing all sorts of
strange things that we simply want to ignore, isn't it? In your case,
you know I am going to tell you to get yourself checked by a
physician. I recommend a physical for two reasons - 1) to catch any
potential medical problems in the early stages before they become more
serious, and 2) to allay any fears you have if this turns out to be
no cause for alarm! But seriously, why wait in hopes that your
symptoms will simply disappear? It sounds like you are long overdue
for a physical exam, anyway!
I am providing some references for you to read so you can be informed
before you go to the doctor. It is always good to walk in with some
questions in mind before your appointment so you make sure all your
concerns are covered.
About Testicle Lumps from Medline
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003162.htm
A testicle lump is a swelling or mass in one or both testicles.
Here are some possible causes of a painful testicle:
* Injury or trauma
* Epididymitis
* Infection of the scrotal sac
* Mumps
* Orchitis (testicular infection)
* Testicular torsion
* Testicular cancer
* Spermatocele (a cyst-like mass within the scrotum that contains fluid and
dead sperm cells)
* Varicocele (a varicose vein along the spermatic cord)
Here are some possible causes if the testicle is not painful:
* Testicular cancer
* Hydrocele (fluid collection in the scrotum)
* Varicocele
* Spermatocele
* Loop of bowel from a hernia
Call your health care provider right away if you notice any
unexplained lumps or any other changes in your testicles.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
Your health care provider will perform a physical examination, which
may include inspecting and palpating the testicles and scrotum, and
ask questions about the lump, such as:
* When did you notice the lump?
* Have you had any previous lumps?
* Is there any pain?
* Does the lump change in size?
* Is only one testicle involved?
* Exactly where on the testicle is the lump?
* Have you had any recent injuries or infections?
* What other symptoms do you have?
* Is there scrotal swelling?
* Do you have abdominal pain?
* Do you have any lumps or swelling elsewhere?
* Have you ever had surgery on your testicles or in the area?
* Were you born with both testicles in the scrotum?
Diagnostic tests depend on the results of the physical examination.
Read further for Treatment about various conditions......
====
Please also read about Scrotal Masses
http://www.valleyhealth.com/Health_Library/mayo_catlinks.asp?navid=24&sp=464
"Scrotal masses are lumps or swelling in or around the testicles....."
===
Please read about what to look for in a testicular self-exam.
http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Health_Services/Health_Education/general_health/mh_tse.htm
When performing TSE you are looking for:
* Small, hard, non-tender lump or nodule in the testicle
* Enlarged testicle and/or a feeling of extra heaviness in the testicle
* Change in the way the testicle feels or in its consistency
* Dull ache in the lower abdomen or groin.
What does it mean if I find a lump?
"Lumps are not always cancer. However, if you notice a lump,
enlargement, tenderness or other unexplained changes in your
testicles, talk to your medical provider right away. The change may be
a sign of infection in the testicle (epididymitis) or of testicular
torsion (a condition in which the testicle becomes rotated inside the
scrotum and becomes "strangulated," which cuts off the blood supply.
If left uncorrected, this can result in the loss of a testicle)."
"If you are diagnosed with testicular cancer, the good news is that it
is more than 95% curable when detected and treated early. However,
testicular cancer may spread rapidly if detection and treatment is
delayed."
===
I know the first thing that always pops in to our heads when we find
various lumps is to ask - "Is it Cancer?" We tend to want to bury our
heads in the sand and ignore the symptoms, hoping they will go away.
After all, no action means no information, and no information is
better than bad information.....Right? WRONG! If there is a problem,
you need to be responsible and take action that could very well put a
halt a potential problem before it becomes out of control.
Just so you are informed, please read about the causes, signs,
symptoms and treatment options for Testicular Cancer.
About Testicular Cancer from the Mayo Clinic
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/testicular-cancer/DS00046
Also read through the links on Testicular Cancer on Medline
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/testicularcancer.html
===
I have to commend you for being brave enough to confront this issue.
I know it can be frightening, and this is the reason why so many men
and women avoid going to the doctor. However, avoidance is not the
most judicious route when your health and your body are concerned.
Let's see you set an example for all the other men (and women) out
there by going to the doctor for a checkup. I'll be routing for you.
Wishing you all the best!
umiat
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