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Caregiver Chronicles: Going to Your GP
Welcome to the first edition of our new blog series, the Caregiver Chronicles. In this series we will highlight the different healthcare professionals you are likely to meet along the journey of being diagnosed with and treated for testicular cancer.
We’ll discuss what to expect, what each healthcare professional will do, what they are looking for, and what they may advise next. Hopefully, this may ease any fears, answer any questions, and prepare you mentally for each appointment if you feel you have symptoms or are going through a diagnosis currently.
Typically, the journey will start with signs or symptoms. If you have these, it’s vitally important that you visit your GP to have them checked. Therefore, your doctor is the first caregiver you will come across.
In this blog we will discuss the GP’s role in a cancer diagnosis.
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer
First and foremost, before the doctor can help you, you must be able to help yourself. What we mean by that is, you have to check yourself regularly! It’s really important that you check your nuts often, so that if you do have signs or symptoms of testicular cancer, you notice them early. The earlier you notice the signs, the more likely it is you will have a full recovery.
Signs and symptoms of testicular cancer include:
- testicles that become enlarged or change shape in any way
- a dull ache or pain in the abdomen, groin or scrotum
- a heavy feeling in the scrotum
- a sudden collection of fluid in the scrotum
- back pain
If you have any of these symptoms and they persist, please get checked out!
Risk factors and causes
The exact causes of testicular cancer are still unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of developing it (based on statistics from previous patients).
Caucasian men and taller men are at higher risk, so too are identical twins. If any men in your family have had testicular cancer in the past, this can also increase your risk. If you are born with an undescended testicle you are more likely to experience testicular cancer too.
What will the GP look for?
As with any other appointment, your GP will firstly look at the symptoms you show or speak about. This will inevitably involve dropping your trousers so the doctor can have a closer look at your testicles. Don’t be shy or embarrassed though, they’ve seen it all before!
They will examine any lumps or bumps you have identified and talk to you about them. If they feel the lump cannot be explained (i.e. by something simple like a cist or build up of fat) then they will arrange for you to have a blood test. They may also arrange for you to have an ultrasound scan at the same time, or you may have one after depending on the results of your blood test.
What is the blood test looking for?
This is called a tumour marker test. If you have a cancerous tumour, you are likely to have tumour markers in your blood. These are usually proteins also known as biomarkers or molecular markers. They can also be found in urine and body tissues.
These substances exist in your blood and aren’t always a sign that you have cancer. However, if the levels are higher than usual, it could be a sign that you have testicular cancer. The blood test measures the levels of these markers in your blood. This will usually be conducted at your same GP surgery or a walk in clinic. A doctor, a nurse or a phlebotomist will conduct the test.
See more information on what to expect from a blood test.
What is an ultrasound scan looking for?
An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create an image of an area of the inside of your body, similar to a CT scan but not as detailed. They are used to monitor unborn babies and diagnose conditions, among other things.
The scan will investigate your lump (or other signs and symptoms you have) to see if any further tests or treatment is required. You may be able to do this at your GP surgery, but the likelihood is you will be sent to a clinic or a hospital to conduct the scan.
What happens next?
The results from your blood tests can be expected within a week, perhaps quicker, depending on the severity of your symptoms. You should wait no longer than 2 weeks for results from the blood test and/or ultrasound scan.
Your GP will let you know when your results are ready and book an appointment with you to discuss them. If you do show signs of raised tumour markers and/or your ultrasound scan shows signs of cancer, you will be sent to meet a urologist. You can find more information on that in the next edition of this series!
Quick reminder on how to check your nuts
- Take a warm shower or bath so your skin is relaxed.
- Examine one testicle at a time by taking the testicle between your thumb and first two fingers and roll with consistent gentle pressure.
- Feel for any lumps or changes in shape, size or consistency.
- Make sure to also check the epididymis towards the back of the testicle.
- If you notice a change or you feel a lump, don’t panic, but do get checked out.
Most lumps are not cancerous, but if you do notice anything unusual or anything concerning you should visit your GP as soon as you can.
