‘What’s Up Doc’ is a health column in association with Spire Gatwick Park, your local private hospital, which gives you the opportunity to ask questions regarding general health and wellbeing. Answers will be provided weekly from specialist consultants at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital.
If it’s a long-standing illness or simply a worry which you would like to get off your mind then send your questions to Spire Gatwick Park is a private hospital located in Horley, Surrey providing a range of treatments, from orthopaedic to ophthalmic, ENT to cosmetic. You do not need private medical insurance to use Spire Gatwick Park Hospital facilities and patients can get appointments within 2 weeks.
Dear Spire,
I found a small lump in one testicle two weeks ago, obviously this is worrying me – I haven’t told my partner either and is already causing our relationship a lot of stress. It’s not happened to anyone in my family as far as I know... But what could it possibly be? Obviously I am thinking of the worst. What would be the treatment for this? Thanks. J, Horley.
Hi J, The answer is that all lumps in the testicle should be examined and investigated by a urologist in a hospital setting so that a proper diagnosis can be made and appropriate, prompt treatment delivered.
Frequently these areas turn out to be related to the epididymis (the tube which takes sperms away from the testis) rather than the testis and if this is the case a course if antibiotics normally resolves the problem.
Alternatively, there might be an infection in the testis itself and again antibiotics are prescribed to resolve the situation. But the first step is to be referred to see a urologist in a hospital so that more serious diagnoses such as cancer of the testis can be excluded.
Mr Michael Swinn, consultant urological surgeon, offers appointments at Spire Gatwick Park Hospital on Mondays, Thursdays plus ad hoc clinics. To book an appointment call 01293 778 906 or email info@spiregatwick.com.