Posts
Uh oh.
Lump felt in testicle.
Let me feel it again
And again.
And again.
And again.
Now it hurts.
Uh oh. Better call the doctor. Uh oh.
Just as many women are taught to examine their breasts for lumps, men are told to examine their testicles for lumps. Lumps could be cancer and if detected early, testicular cancer is one of the most curable cancers around.
Problem is, not too many men have actually been taught what is normal to feel and what is not. (Any of Dr. Roesel's male patients who have been through her testicle tumor teaching moment may skip this next part.)
Unlike other organs found in the trousers, HARD is BAD in the testicles. If you feel a hard lump that feels like a rock, see a urologist right away. Cancer tends to be hard and painless (unless you have felt it so much it is now hurting).
On the other hand, soft and squishy is usually okay but any lump should be checked out. There are many things that are benign that can cause lumps in the scrotum, remember that. But always err on the side of caution and get it checked out.
The treatment for testicular cancer has one of the highest success rates of any cancer, if the cancer is detected and treated early. For some types of testicular cancer surgery alone is curative. Sometimes radiation and/or chemotherapy are needed.
If a testicle is has be removed, prosthetic (replacement) testicles are available. The funny thing is, they are available for dogs too. Those are called "Neuticals". (I am not joking.) The clear one in the photo is filled with saline, the opaque one is solid silicone, in case you were wondering.
There are reports linking smoking marijuana to the development of testicular cancer. Just so you know.
Call us if you feel a lump or something. We're here to help.
