Feeling so worried about a small hard lump that has come up on DS after a rugby injury. Anyone, please?

[worriermum]

DS is 7. Last Friday, ie about ten days ago, he got elbowed in the balls at a rugby practice. He complained of sore balls for a day or two but never mentioned it again. But two days ago he said his balls were still a bit sore, and showed us a small but quite distinct, hard lump that has come up where he was bruised: it's just above where his tummy meets his testicles. I checked tonight and the lump does not seem to have diminuished at all.

We live in a third world country with not very good doctors, and I think I will just get brushed off if I take him to the doctor. Does anyone have any experience of this, or advice to offer ? Feel really concerned that it's a hernia or something that we should take action about.

TIA

Are his testicles descended into his scrotum or are they up in his body?

If they are in his scrotum and not swollen or hurting that sounds like it might just be a bruise. If you can't see his testicles and they are up in his body and there is a lump I really think you need to get to a doctor.

Thanks for responding Beta. No, his testicles are more or less normal - both descended and not swollen or hurting when he lies down. But he is uncomfortable when he walks.

I used to play rugby and do remember getting similar injuries in that location. There is a lot of soft tissue there that overlays the pelvis and pubic bone and it does sound like a bruise.

However, if he suffers sudden sharp pain or any swelling in his testicles do not delay. Get him to a hospital as testicular injuries can be very serious and I have seen those in rugby players too. Monitor him carefully over the next week and give him some ibuprofen to take down swelling and ease the pain.

Obvioulsy, if you were in the UK I really would say go to a GP but replying on the basis you can't do that in your current location.

One final thing. If the lump does not go down in a week also go to the doctor as you rightly say it is in the right region for a hernia.

Thanks very much for this Beta - it's helpful. Reading your posts I think I must take him to the doctor, even if I dont have much faith in what she will say.

Fingers crossed !

Thanks very much for this Beta - it's helpful. Reading your posts I think I must take him to the doctor, even if I dont have much faith in what she will say.

Fingers crossed !