Testicular lump and biopsy?

[merlehaggard]

Can anyone tell me if anyone, from your experiences and knowledge, has had a biopsy for a testicular lump? I thought it was something that wasn't done but am waiting to be proved wrong. I thought that the scan told them virtually all they needed to know and that they would then remove the whole testicle, as if it was cancerous, it could potentially spread the cancer.

[PullUpsAreTricky]

Yes I think you are correct. From my experience they saw something they didn't like on an ultra sound, also blood tests and removed the teste.

[merlehaggard]

So what would you think then of someone (work colleague who is always off sick for different ailments) who says they had a Dr app on Friday (without warning just turned up 2 hours late for work and gave this as the reason) says, he then had a biopsy on the monday (a few days later), turned into work a few hours in the next few days (saying he was in agony) and then on the Friday says he'd just had a hospital app and it was a benign lump that will have to come out at some point but no huge hurry, except for the fact that "it" keeps flaring up.

Does that sound likely?

[TheFuzz]

They don't do biopsy. Scans usually tell and they remove the whole testes then test. It could however be other painful conditions like cyst, epididymitis (incl. PVPS) or a number of other none cancerous issues

They are bloody painful. Cancer usually isn't though.

[merlehaggard]

Would those other conditions present as a lump though that they would biopsy before they could tell him it was benign. Surely they would see that from the scan?

[motherstongue]

My DS had a lump and they wanted to remove the testicle then do the biopsy at our local hospital, however, we ended up with a fantastic surgical team at the sick kids hospital who removed the tumour for biopsy whilst they kept the tissue alive (this is all very much in layman terms) on ice while the lab did the tests which came back as being benign all whilst he was still under the anaesthetic. They were then able to save his testicle. He was a very lucky boy. They gave our chances of it being cancer at over 90%. The scan could not tell if it was cancerous only that a tumour was present.

[TheFuzz]

Other conditions do present as lumps. Cancer generally isn't painful, but the other conditions are. Ultrasounds usually pick up cancer quite well.

I don't think this persons health record is helping your opinion.

[merlehaggard]

The trouble I'd, none of it rings true. He said he had a biopsy, but everyone says you don't. He had already had a scan - so say. Why would they biopsy him, indicate they expected it to be cancerous and then later say they will operate to take out a non-cancerous lump? Surely if they were to take it out either way, they would have just done it. Not biopsy and risk the spread of potential cancer.

Now he says he prob will have op on Monday and it is quite minor as they will be going through a "natural orifice" and he will be back the next day! Does that sound likely!

Further, when waiting for his test results, he was discussing booking of his holidays at work and saying that he was going home (going over biopsy) and was going to study at home. Would you do that if you was waiting for a probable testicular cancer diagnosis. In addition, all his appointments seem to result in a late start, an early finish or a Monday/Friday off. His drs are local, so what are the chances of that.

[merlehaggard]

He has exams coming up and seems to be using the time off as study leave, because we don't get any.

[TheFuzz]

Sounds dodgy. There isn't any natural orifice, you need to cut the skin to get in.

Maybe the boss should ask for a note from the doctor. I have had issues 'down there' since a botched vasectomy and have had about 3 months off with work. I've been very open with my employer and even had to go to occupational health. I've shown my medical appointment letters.

Maybe ask for a copy of the appointment letter or an appointment card. If he can't produce one he is lying as he will have a collection of letters or cards from a hospital