Brief Answer:
It is OK to wait for the ultrasound in 10 days if not much discomfort now

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for asking at healthcaremagic.

I carefully read your question and understand your concern.

Varicocele is a chronic problem and as you mentioned you have lived with it for a long time and not had much problem. The ones in the left side are very common and do not pose risk of serious disease causing them.
Having the ultrasound in 10 days will not cause any problems to your health as varicoceles do not tent to have acute complications. Especially if you do not have acute pain or symptoms that might warrant you have the examination as soon as possible.

I would say just relax and have the test when it is scheduled. It is not urgent to have it in a couple of days. It is important to have it evaluated though so when you have the scheduled time you will need to have it done.

I hope this is helpful and answers to your questions but please feel free to write back if any more clarifications are needed on this.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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Brief Answer:
Testicular cancer is very uncommon in your age- try to relax and not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

It is a pleasure to be able to bring some clarification and comfort to you.

I understand your concerns with testicular cancer. Testicular cancer is a mostly cancer of youth, which means it is more likely in young ages (it does not mean it does not happen in older males but chances are very small). Also as you mentioned the prognosis of testicular cancer is better than most other cancers and has high cure rates even when metastasis happen.

I would say that you worry much and have done a great search in literature but this is adding to your anxiety.

The best way to check the testicles is not physical examination so don't worry about not being able to palpate the testicle for mass. The ultrasound is very sensitive and a very good test to check for testicular mass also and having it done in 10 days is still fine.

I wish you all the best and great results with the ultrasound and hope you will be able to enjoy these days while the appointment approaches.

Please feel free to reply if anymore questions related to this.

Kind regards,

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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Brief Answer:
Self testicular examinations are not supported anymore by recommendations

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is a pleasure to be able to help.

Now it is not anymore recommended for men to do regular self testicular exam because it is found to not be accurate or helpful in finding testicular cancer at earlier stage and also might bring much anxiety to the patient. It is recommended though that you have a yearly physical examination with your doctor as routine and at that time your doctor might check your testicles for any lump.

Ultrasound is not recommended to be done regularly either as it is a rare cancer and physical examination with the doctor generally has good detection rate and good treatment results.

It is very unlikely that you get testicular cancer at this age, it mostly happens in young men or those that had un-descended testicles as children.

It is a good idea to talk it with the doctor that will do the ultrasound also as at that time more information will be gathered and the doctor can adjust the above information to be more applicable to you.

Thank you for your reply. i hope this is helpful.

Kind regards

Antoneta Zotaj, MD

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