Do I have cancer?

[dashb78]

I recently found a pebble sized lump on the bottom of my left testicle. It feels like a rock that got lodged in there .It feels tender to the touch too. I have back pain down in my lower back but I have always had back problems and can't really say what has caused this recent onset. I am panicing! I have no insurance and no money either. What do I do? How do I get insurance? If I can't get insurance, then how do I pay for the obviously vital examinations and what not?

[Art_in_Heaven]

You need to get that checked now! Are there any free clinics in your area? I'm sure they can help. Good luck to you.

[pam]

There are many clinics that have you pay based on your income. Try the health department.

[Wingnut]

I did a quick search on WebMD using the words lump testicle back pain. The first article that came up was "Understanding Testicular Cancer." THAT DOESN'T NECESSARILY MEAN YOU HAVE IT!

What Are the Symptoms of Testicular Cancer?

The earliest warning signs of testicular cancer usually include the following:

* A change in size or shape of a testicle

* Swelling or thickening of a testicle

* A firm, smooth, initially painless, slow-growing lump or hardness in a testicle

* A feeling of testicular heaviness

Other symptoms of testicular cancer may include:

* Testicular pain

* A sudden gathering of fluid in the scrotum

* An abdominal mass or abdominal pain

* Loss of weight or appetite; fatigue; lower-back pain; tenderness in the nipples or breast enlargement

* Infertility

Call Your Doctor If:

You detect any sort of unusual lump, nodule, pain or swelling in either testicle. You should have a thorough physical examination as soon as possible in case the abnormality is cancer. Remember, testicular cancer discovered early has the highest likelihood of a cure.

I'll ask you a series of questions, but you don't have to answer them to me.

(1) How long ago did you first notice it?

(2) Has it changed size/shape/hardness since you first noticed it?

(3) Are you having any testicular pain?

(4) Are you having any other symptoms besides back pain?

(5) Do you have a family history of cancer (testicular or otherwise?)

(6) Do you check yourself regularly?

When I do a monthly breast self-exam, if I feel something that doesn't really feel very familiar, I make a note of it, and wait until the next month to see if it's still there, or if it's changed or gone. If it's gone, I don't call the doctor. I haven't had to yet.

Also, in women, the "time of the month" can affect whether or not you have lumps in your breast. Progesterone can cause lumps to form, which dissolve later, once those levels go back down. For this reason, women are encouraged to do their self-exams on the same day of their cycle each month. Note: Not necessarily on the same day of the month, but on the same day of the cycle.

[lestertheemt]

Many, many, many places will work with you about paying..........................Just Go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please, Please Do Not Put This Off Because of Your Inability To Pay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[eternalpromise516]

dash,

did you really have to ask on a message board? when you first noticed these issues, you should've just gone straight to the doctor!!! get there ASAP

[prospectmom]

Most area have a community health center.... they are on a sliding scale... I pay 30.00 a visit. I know there is something out there. Good luck in your search... also I know it won't help but I'm sure you will be ok and it probably isn't cancer :]

[jolee65]

I know someone that had a pea size lump on his testical and it was a pocket of infection. like a in grown pimple. But you need to get it checked.

[SinnerMan]

Dude just get to the Vet quick and get fixed!! That should solve your problem and Vets are much cheaper than human doctors. Worked for me!

[Palerider]

I would try the county where you live....call them and see what services are available to you....

[StallionMcBeastly]

Like everyone has said... get to the doc PRONTO!!

[marshac]

I agree with everyone- see a doc.

Lumps don't always indicate cancer- I know I have had my share of crazy lumps, one of which was on a testicle. The initial cause was epididymitis which was easily cured by cipro, but there was some scaring which I noticed months later as a nice hard pea-sized lump. Talk about freaky when you're in your mid-20s and a prime candidate for testicular cancer.

My other scary lump story is when I discovered my own lymph nodes....

So to recap, go get some piece of mind, go see a doc.