[ ARC forum 2 ]
Written by Paul B. at 23 Dec 2002 21:58:06: Lumpy balls
As an answer to: Cancer... written by Jake Booth at 22 Dec 2002 22:52:50:
> I´ve been seeing a lot of guys like 16-19 posting on forums about testicular cancer.
You've been doing a lot of reading it seems. Well, since that age group has a relatively high risk of testicular cancer, then their concern is appropriate.
> Questioning whether they have it because the left testicle is a LOT bigger than the right (normal to be bigger but a lot)?
Generally, that is a mis-interpretation - the concern is usually that the right testicle is a lot smaller than the left, which may be due to damage to it from non-descent or mumps or - whatever else. Like some women have a small boob on one side (but then, some actually have an oversize one on the other!).
> and them feeling some odd lumps and like ?tubes? around the testicle?
Little "bubbles" or cysts around the epididymis, and in particular the "Hydatid of Morgagni" or "appendix" of the epididymis, which is at the top and front of it, are also quite common if not universal. However, these are generally insignificant (but may cause some tenderness - the "hydatid" not infrequently gets twisted and actually dies off, causing some pain but no real damage).
> is this normal and are the odd little things supposed to be like that? What about if there?s sometimes a dull ache there too?
So as I say, many or most of these things are normal. What you (all guys) need to look out for, is lumps developing in the testicle itself and as Jim says, lumps that were not there before.
What is really great though, is that for the last fifteen years or more, testicular ultrasound has been available (in most countries) to examine the testicle, relatively cheaply, is relatively painless other that the tenderness of which you were complaining in the first place, (forget the embarrassment, even if the operator is a nice girl - and she usually is! - if you ever need it done, just relax and watch the pictures,) and is extremely accurate at diagnosis.
This means that if you have any concerns, you go see your GP (not a "urologist"!) and get the ultrasound done if (s)he has any worry at all after examining them.