One day you suddenly notice that one testicle is larger than the other. You wonder: What could it be? Do I have cancer? Will I die? These are natural questions and panic is the natural reaction but probably not necessary.
This is a finding that you will want to check out with your primary care doctor or a urologist. But cancer is much less common than other possible causes. If it is very painful, this could represent an infection called epididymitis. The epididymis is an organ that wraps around the back of the testicle. If not painful, it could be one of two common types of fluid collections that can occur in the scrotum. This could represent a hydrocele, which is basically like the testicle now being inside a water balloon. The other is a spermatocele, which is a cyst of the epididymis.
If you notice enlargement of a testicle check it out with your doctor but there is likely no need to panic. You may also want to be in the habit of examining the testes monthly. Instructions for this can be referenced at www.cancer.org.
Dr. Lawrence Newman, a leading urologist in Las Vegas. Contact his office today for an appointment.