Diagnosed With Testicle Cancer
I've used this board for a number of years during my on and off study at University. Whilst I'm terrified of what's happening to me at the moment, I thought it would be a great place to post this, and hope that other men take this seriously.
I have no idea when this developed for me. I am constantly playing with my balls - not in a sexual way, just in a way some men do. We find it comforting - so I'm guessing if this had developed prior to spotting it I would have noticed.
Over a month ago I was in the bath, I was washing and I thought "Oh, this feels enlarged". Me being the anxiety sufferer I am I instantly thought "OMG I HAVE TESTICLE CANCER". I pressed it, it was rock hard. It was the size of a small egg. I asked my girlfriend to press it, and she felt the same.
For a couple of days I thought nothing of it, then I though to myself I am getting this checked. My mom got me an appointment with the doctor the following day. He had a check, and noticed something wasn't right. He ordered an ultrasound. The following week I was at the Q.E hospital in Birmingham having the ultrasound. To cut a long story short I was told it was basically testicle cancer. The mass consumes around 50% of my testicle.
Tomorrow I have the operation to remove the testicle so they can do a biopsy and then I have to have a CT scan and chest x-ray. ****ting myself is an understatement. I've never had an operation in my life. The waiting game is the worst, waiting for the CT scan, not knowing if it's spread.
A friend of mine had testicle cancer, so I'm fortunate to have him as guidance. He went undiagnosed through his own ignorance for over 2 years, and when they caught it he was in a bad way. Thankfully he is now cancer free.
It's been a bad couple of years. Having spent 12 months in prison for computer hacking, I thought that was rough. Now this. I'd gladly do another 5 years in prison than have to deal with this.
That's my story. Guys, seriously, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, even slight, go to your doctor and demand an ultrasound. The earlier you catch this, the better.
If anyone has been through this, I'd love to hear from you. If anyone wants to ask questions, feel free.
I have no idea when this developed for me. I am constantly playing with my balls - not in a sexual way, just in a way some men do. We find it comforting - so I'm guessing if this had developed prior to spotting it I would have noticed.
Over a month ago I was in the bath, I was washing and I thought "Oh, this feels enlarged". Me being the anxiety sufferer I am I instantly thought "OMG I HAVE TESTICLE CANCER". I pressed it, it was rock hard. It was the size of a small egg. I asked my girlfriend to press it, and she felt the same.
For a couple of days I thought nothing of it, then I though to myself I am getting this checked. My mom got me an appointment with the doctor the following day. He had a check, and noticed something wasn't right. He ordered an ultrasound. The following week I was at the Q.E hospital in Birmingham having the ultrasound. To cut a long story short I was told it was basically testicle cancer. The mass consumes around 50% of my testicle.
Tomorrow I have the operation to remove the testicle so they can do a biopsy and then I have to have a CT scan and chest x-ray. ****ting myself is an understatement. I've never had an operation in my life. The waiting game is the worst, waiting for the CT scan, not knowing if it's spread.
A friend of mine had testicle cancer, so I'm fortunate to have him as guidance. He went undiagnosed through his own ignorance for over 2 years, and when they caught it he was in a bad way. Thankfully he is now cancer free.
It's been a bad couple of years. Having spent 12 months in prison for computer hacking, I thought that was rough. Now this. I'd gladly do another 5 years in prison than have to deal with this.
That's my story. Guys, seriously, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, even slight, go to your doctor and demand an ultrasound. The earlier you catch this, the better.
If anyone has been through this, I'd love to hear from you. If anyone wants to ask questions, feel free.
(edited 10 years ago)
Scroll to see replies
Very sorry to hear that, sound slide you've already been through a lot!
The good thing is, you've caught it - and testicular cancer is very responsive to treatment!
Your doctor will likely explain the different treatment options, but a couple of doses of chemo after the surgery wouldn't be unusual. The cancer also rarely spreads to the other side, so your second is probably going to be left as-is and will take over the hormonal functions. Fertility shouldn't be affected in the long term by too much either.
Good luck, and I hope everything works out well!
The good thing is, you've caught it - and testicular cancer is very responsive to treatment!
Your doctor will likely explain the different treatment options, but a couple of doses of chemo after the surgery wouldn't be unusual. The cancer also rarely spreads to the other side, so your second is probably going to be left as-is and will take over the hormonal functions. Fertility shouldn't be affected in the long term by too much either. Good luck, and I hope everything works out well!
Original post by Bollost
Makes me realise how fortunate I am
Malignant?
Malignant?
I can't be certain until they do the biopsy. I'm guessing so though - and so are the doctors.
(edited 10 years ago)
My boyfriend had a testicular cancer scare a few months ago. Just like you, he found his lump while in the bath. His was quite big, around the size of a small golf ball. It was rock solid as well. We both instantly thought cancer especially because cancer of all kinds runs in both sides of his family.
He went to the hospital a few weeks later after a referral from his GP and got all kinds of tests done. From his ultrasound, they couldn't tell if it was malignant or benign so he had to get a biopsy done. Turns out it was benign and was a massive cyst.
Hopefully your lump turns out to be nothing serious though if it turns out to be cancer, the main thing is you have caught it and its also one of the most treatable cancers out there. Though I remember when the doctor said that to my boyfriend, it still didn't settle my nerves. Cancer is cancer whether its easy to treat or not.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted
Also good on you for going to the doctor and getting checked out. A lot of people brush anything that could possibly be a health problem under the carpet and hope it goes away. My boyfriend was like that. I had to march him to the doctor at first so good on you for doing it off your own back.
He went to the hospital a few weeks later after a referral from his GP and got all kinds of tests done. From his ultrasound, they couldn't tell if it was malignant or benign so he had to get a biopsy done. Turns out it was benign and was a massive cyst.
Hopefully your lump turns out to be nothing serious though if it turns out to be cancer, the main thing is you have caught it and its also one of the most treatable cancers out there. Though I remember when the doctor said that to my boyfriend, it still didn't settle my nerves. Cancer is cancer whether its easy to treat or not.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted
Also good on you for going to the doctor and getting checked out. A lot of people brush anything that could possibly be a health problem under the carpet and hope it goes away. My boyfriend was like that. I had to march him to the doctor at first so good on you for doing it off your own back.
(edited 10 years ago)
Hope everything goes well mate.
Original post by Yasmin25
My boyfriend had a testicular cancer scare a few months ago. Just like you, he found his lump while in the bath. His was quite big, around the size of a small golf ball. It was rock solid as well. We both instantly thought cancer especially because cancer of all kinds runs in both sides of his family.
He went to the hospital a few weeks later after a referral from his GP and got all kinds of tests done. From his ultrasound, they couldn't tell if it was malignant or benign so he had to get a biopsy done. Turns out it was benign and was a massive cyst.
Hopefully your lump turns out to be nothing serious though if it turns out to be cancer, the main thing is you have caught it and its also one of the most treatable cancers out there. Though I remember when the doctor said that to my boyfriend, it still didn't settle my nerves. Cancer is cancer whether its easy to treat or not.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted
Also good on you for going to the doctor and getting checked out. A lot of people brush anything that could possibly be a health problem under the carpet and hope it goes away. My boyfriend was like that. I had to march him to the doctor at first so good on you for doing it off your own back.
He went to the hospital a few weeks later after a referral from his GP and got all kinds of tests done. From his ultrasound, they couldn't tell if it was malignant or benign so he had to get a biopsy done. Turns out it was benign and was a massive cyst.
Hopefully your lump turns out to be nothing serious though if it turns out to be cancer, the main thing is you have caught it and its also one of the most treatable cancers out there. Though I remember when the doctor said that to my boyfriend, it still didn't settle my nerves. Cancer is cancer whether its easy to treat or not.
Good luck with everything and keep us posted
Also good on you for going to the doctor and getting checked out. A lot of people brush anything that could possibly be a health problem under the carpet and hope it goes away. My boyfriend was like that. I had to march him to the doctor at first so good on you for doing it off your own back.
That's comforting to know. But, I am of the impression it's Cancer. When I left the hospital I was given leaflets on Testicle Cancer.
I had my tumor markers done, which all came back normal. But tumor markers are not really useful for testing if you have cancer and at what stage it's at because some testicle cancers produce no tumor markers. Mainly the aggressive - albeit most treatable - forms of testicle cancer.
I can always wish, but I have to prepare myself for the worst. Especially after the TC specialist has basically told me it's TC
I should be asleep, the operation is about 8.30am tomorrow. Too worried to sleep though.
Original post by cascadingstylez
I've used this board for a number of years during my on and off study at University. Whilst I'm terrified of what's happening to me at the moment, I thought it would be a great place to post this, and hope that other men take this seriously.
I have no idea when this developed for me. I am constantly playing with my balls - not in a sexual way, just in a way some men do. We find it comforting - so I'm guessing if this had developed prior to spotting it I would have noticed.
Over a month ago I was in the bath, I was washing and I thought "Oh, this feels enlarged". Me being the anxiety sufferer I am I instantly thought "OMG I HAVE TESTICLE CANCER". I pressed it, it was rock hard. It was the size of a small egg. I asked my girlfriend to press it, and she felt the same.
For a couple of days I thought nothing of it, then I though to myself I am getting this checked. My mom got me an appointment with the doctor the following day. He had a check, and noticed something wasn't right. He ordered an ultrasound. The following week I was at the Q.E hospital in Birmingham having the ultrasound. To cut a long story short I was told it was basically testicle cancer. The mass consumes around 50% of my testicle.
Tomorrow I have the operation to remove the testicle so they can do a biopsy and then I have to have a CT scan and chest x-ray. ****ting myself is an understatement. I've never had an operation in my life. The waiting game is the worst, waiting for the CT scan, not knowing if it's spread.
A friend of mine had testicle cancer, so I'm fortunate to have him as guidance. He went undiagnosed through his own ignorance for over 2 years, and when they caught it he was in a bad way. Thankfully he is now cancer free.
It's been a bad couple of years. Having spent 12 months in prison for computer hacking, I thought that was rough. Now this. I'd gladly do another 5 years in prison than have to deal with this.
That's my story. Guys, seriously, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, even slight, go to your doctor and demand an ultrasound. The earlier you catch this, the better.
If anyone has been through this, I'd love to hear from you. If anyone wants to ask questions, feel free.
I have no idea when this developed for me. I am constantly playing with my balls - not in a sexual way, just in a way some men do. We find it comforting - so I'm guessing if this had developed prior to spotting it I would have noticed.
Over a month ago I was in the bath, I was washing and I thought "Oh, this feels enlarged". Me being the anxiety sufferer I am I instantly thought "OMG I HAVE TESTICLE CANCER". I pressed it, it was rock hard. It was the size of a small egg. I asked my girlfriend to press it, and she felt the same.
For a couple of days I thought nothing of it, then I though to myself I am getting this checked. My mom got me an appointment with the doctor the following day. He had a check, and noticed something wasn't right. He ordered an ultrasound. The following week I was at the Q.E hospital in Birmingham having the ultrasound. To cut a long story short I was told it was basically testicle cancer. The mass consumes around 50% of my testicle.
Tomorrow I have the operation to remove the testicle so they can do a biopsy and then I have to have a CT scan and chest x-ray. ****ting myself is an understatement. I've never had an operation in my life. The waiting game is the worst, waiting for the CT scan, not knowing if it's spread.
A friend of mine had testicle cancer, so I'm fortunate to have him as guidance. He went undiagnosed through his own ignorance for over 2 years, and when they caught it he was in a bad way. Thankfully he is now cancer free.
It's been a bad couple of years. Having spent 12 months in prison for computer hacking, I thought that was rough. Now this. I'd gladly do another 5 years in prison than have to deal with this.
That's my story. Guys, seriously, if you notice anything out of the ordinary, even slight, go to your doctor and demand an ultrasound. The earlier you catch this, the better.
If anyone has been through this, I'd love to hear from you. If anyone wants to ask questions, feel free.
Not a guy but just wanted to say I think it's really great that you are sharing this with other people on this forum in order to promote awareness. Try not to worry too much and just speak to your friend so he can reassure you. I think it's really good that you actually had the courage to go get it checked and tell your mum to make you an appointment rather than ignore it and say 'oh its just nothing' because by doing that you've really helped yourself to get an early diagnosis. I honestly wish you all the best with your operation and hope you have a quick recovery
.(edited 10 years ago)
Testicular cancer has an excellent prognosis - 96% survival - and I'd imagine the odds are even better for you, since it would appear that if it is definitely cancer then you've caught it early.
That's me from a scientific standpoint. From an emotional standpoint, I know how scared you must feel, but all of TSR and everyone who loves you is here for you and I honestly have faith that you can beat this x
That's me from a scientific standpoint. From an emotional standpoint, I know how scared you must feel, but all of TSR and everyone who loves you is here for you and I honestly have faith that you can beat this
xIn hospital now, waiting for the operation. Urgh. Not a very pleasant experience that's for sure.
Original post by cascadingstylez
In hospital now, waiting for the operation. Urgh. Not a very pleasant experience that's for sure.
Good luck with the operation
Extremely sorry that you're having to go through this but hopefully they've caught it early and it doesn't come back to plague you again. All the best 
Original post by cascadingstylez
In hospital now, waiting for the operation. Urgh. Not a very pleasant experience that's for sure.
All the best
Hope all went well my friend
Hi, I'm 18 and about two and a half years ago I noticed lumps around 'that area'. For the majority of the time I tried to ignore it and dismiss it, however, I got these very low moments when I became really stressed and worried whether I actually had cancer particularly as we have a very strong family history with it. It plague me for 2 years before I found the courage to talk to my mother about it and arrange an appointment with my doctor having convinced myself that I had left it too late and that if I did have cancer it would have spread everywhere. I can safely say that as well as being pretty embarrassing, going for an ultrasound was terrifying.
It turned out it was just a Varicocele and nothing was wrong, however I can tell you it was one of the hardest periods in my life. From personal experience, I know just how embarrassing it is talking about it but I implore anyone who has any concerns to talk to a doctor about it.
Good luck dude, sounds like you are in safe hands and I hope all went well. Take care.
Posted from TSR Mobile
It turned out it was just a Varicocele and nothing was wrong, however I can tell you it was one of the hardest periods in my life. From personal experience, I know just how embarrassing it is talking about it but I implore anyone who has any concerns to talk to a doctor about it.
Good luck dude, sounds like you are in safe hands and I hope all went well. Take care.
Posted from TSR Mobile
(edited 10 years ago)
All went well. At home resting. Suffering from a little SVT at the moment. It's not unusual for me as I suffer with SVT and arrhythmia's. The surgeon was aware of this. I shouldn't have had red bull after the op either which could have made it even worse.
I had a panic attack when they put me to sleep. My heart rate was 140 I was shaking really bad all over. The guy putting me to sleep said "You'll be find, but if you must fight it I dare you". It was like boom, KO'ed.
Hope the SVT goes away otherwise I'll have to pop into ER. Aside from the SVT though I am feeling great.
I had a panic attack when they put me to sleep. My heart rate was 140 I was shaking really bad all over. The guy putting me to sleep said "You'll be find, but if you must fight it I dare you". It was like boom, KO'ed.
Hope the SVT goes away otherwise I'll have to pop into ER. Aside from the SVT though I am feeling great.
(edited 10 years ago)
for anyone interested I had my doctor email me the pathology reports. All looks positive 
CLINICAL DETAILS
Mass right testicle
MACROSCOPY
Testis covered with tunica vaginalis and spermatic cord, 67 gms.
Spermatic cord measures 35 mm in length and 25 mm diameter. The
lower /midpole of testis shows a nodular, soft grey lesion
measuring 45 x 35 x30 mm, appears confined to testis.
Key blocks
1=cord margin
2=mid cord
3=base of cord
4-11=tumour plus capsule
12-13=normal testis
TUMOUR
sheets of cells showing pale eosinophilic to clear
cytoplasm and prominent cytoplasmic borders. Tumour cells have
enlarged nuclei with 1-3 prominent nucleoli. Mitotic activity is
brisk. In places, tumour shows lymphocytic infiltrate and
lymphoid aggregates. The appearances are those of a classic
seminoma.
LYMPHO VASCULAR INVASION-not identified.
LOCAL INVASION
tumour is abutting rete testis. The tunica
albuginea is intact. No invasion of spermatic cord or epididymis.
REMAINING TESTIS
seminiferous tubules are lined by Sertoli cells
only. A few tubules show intratubular germ cell neoplasia.
Diagnosis
Right testis- seminoma, classic type, TNM stage pT1.
CLINICAL DETAILS
Mass right testicle
MACROSCOPY
Testis covered with tunica vaginalis and spermatic cord, 67 gms.
Spermatic cord measures 35 mm in length and 25 mm diameter. The
lower /midpole of testis shows a nodular, soft grey lesion
measuring 45 x 35 x30 mm, appears confined to testis.
Key blocks
1=cord margin
2=mid cord
3=base of cord
4-11=tumour plus capsule
12-13=normal testis
TUMOUR
sheets of cells showing pale eosinophilic to clear
cytoplasm and prominent cytoplasmic borders. Tumour cells have
enlarged nuclei with 1-3 prominent nucleoli. Mitotic activity is
brisk. In places, tumour shows lymphocytic infiltrate and
lymphoid aggregates. The appearances are those of a classic
seminoma.
LYMPHO VASCULAR INVASION-not identified.
LOCAL INVASION
tumour is abutting rete testis. The tunica
albuginea is intact. No invasion of spermatic cord or epididymis.
REMAINING TESTIS
seminiferous tubules are lined by Sertoli cells
only. A few tubules show intratubular germ cell neoplasia.
Diagnosis
Right testis- seminoma, classic type, TNM stage pT1.
Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Wishing you all the best and glad to see that things look positive.
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