About Junko Expertise I can answer most questions pertaining to teen health, thought I cannot give medical advice. I can explain medical terminology, describe medical conditions and hopefully help people understand what is going on with their bodies. If I don`t know an answer to a question, being a medical student, I can easily find out the answer since I have many resources I can refer to.
Expert: Junko Date: 9/22/2004 Subject: Concerned about health!
Question Hi,
I am a 16 year old male and I would like to ask you a few questions concerning my health. About a year ago I discovered a VERY Small lump on my left testicle near the top and I went to the doctor 2 months later and he said it was just a Small Varicocele or Spermacocele (However it's spelled) and to leave it alone but come back if it has gotten any bigger. So I forgot about it, and here it is a year later It is still there and is the same size, the size has not changed any.. From the explanation does that sound like a Varicocele/Spermicocele or more in the lines of Testicular Cancer? Also about 6 months ago I noticed a soft tissueii lump under the skin about 3 inches wide about 1 inch below my left rib cage, it does not cause me any pain whatso-ever, from the description what does that sound like.. In the left lower portion of my abdomen in the groin region I noticed a VERY HARD MASS deep down that I can only feel while I am laying down, and I cannot even tell it is there unless I aggrevate it alot and then it will start hurting, I researched it and it appeared that it could be A Hernia or Colon Cancer, I thought Colon Cancer was VERY VERY Rare at my age... From that description what does that sound like? I would say I am in pretty good health instead of those things and they are on my mind ALL DAY LONG ANd I am always worrying alot and I am becoming depressed so worried about my health and something being bad... I am beginning to think I am just a hypochrondriac, but I am not asking Medical Advice from you, because I am aware that you do not give out that, but from the DESCRIPTIONS of the things I listed could you atleast tell me what they could be?
THANKS SO MUCH!!!
Answer Hi Billy,
I apologize for the delay in my response. If the lump on your testicle hasn't changed in size and you're not experiencing any new symptoms (pain, tenderness, etc.), then I don't think you need to worry about it being testicular cancer, especially since your doctor diagnosed your lump as a varicocele. However, as your doctor recommended, you should see him again if you notice any changes.
As for your the soft tissue lump below your rib cage, I'm sorry but I really can't even take a guess at what it might be without looking at it or getting more information. If you're worried about it, I would go see a doctor. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Finally, as you found out yourself, it's highly unlikely that the mass you noticed in your groin region is from colon cancer. It's possible that it's a hernia, but a hernia should be more apparent when you're upright. A hernia is also often painful when you're straining (such as when you lift something heavy). From what you've told me, what you have doesn't sound exactly like a hernia. It's possible that it's nothing at all. But, again, since this is worrying you, I would see a doctor about it and make sure to tell the doctor about all of your concerns.
I'm sorry that I can't be more helpful in telling you what might or might not have. I think it's unlikely that you have a serious medical condition so try not to worry about it too much. The best thing would be for you to see a doctor and confirm that none of the things you have noticed are serious.
