Fear of developing TC

[AnxietyStrikes]

Well, I'm new here and I'm a worried guy. Let's go back in time, January 5th, I had a strange testicle pain that grew until it was a bother to walk, I go to the doctor an hour or so later only to find my pain has subsided and my doctor thought it may have been epididymitis, due to the epididymis being tender, however me not thinking just shrugs it off and doesn't do a urine or blood test (at the time I was concerned with torsion, but realize now the severity of it) so I walk out, shaken but better. I noticed at the time of the pain my right testicle bulged, and after the visit (my testicles did relax and weren't tense) I noticed it was bigger than my left, not a huge difference and not quite a slight difference but I knew that it was common in the male anatomy so I left it as is. 5 months later, I have a freakout because I saw the words "cancer" appear onto a screen and my anxiety hit overdrive. So I got to thinking about that testicle, sadly I dug around on the internet (like most people who have anxiety do) and got freaked out more. So I did a self exam, and found one very small bump, if you would call it that, not hard, felt kinda squishy on the testicle. I still freaked out. Next day, I get examined by a doc, he says there isn't a defined lump there and he was sure it wasn't cancer, but ordered an ultrasound that day. I get it done, I get results, benign cysts on my right, clear on my left. Overall good news considering what it could have been. However I still examine myself everyday and it's harming me, I'm getting irritation and discomfort and I know its self inflicted not a symptom of anything but I can't shake the feel. My anxiety makes me prepared to have it rather than the opposite. Both my testicles are fine and there's no cause of worry in me besides actually getting it. Can anyone help me possibly? I know this is no way to live but I'm scared. I'm 18 years old.

[Paul54]

It's easy for us to tell you to stop worrying. Anybody who has had TC tends to worry. We earned that right. You obviously don't have cancer. Stop over-examining. Monthly is fine. The chances of you experiencing numerous other medical conditions and kicking the bucket from something else are infinitely greater. More people die each year from household accidents or carbon monoxide poisoning than TC. Don't smoke. Wear your seat belt. Don't stand under a tree in a lightning storm.

Move along and enjoy being 18. If you don't like being 18 with a couple of junky benign things, I'll trade your body for mine.
Paul

[Luc]

Benign cysts are just that - benign. They do not become cancer. Keep tabs on them with monthly self exams - but no more, and no less. And good for you for having them checked. Do what Paul suggests There's really nothing to be scared or anxious about.

[MPsr]

Hey!
Anxiety sucks in general... The other folks are correct about the monthly checking..Like us women and our breasts...
It is important to keep on top of............Have you ever spoken to anyone about your anxiety? From what you say, it is not just the possiblilty of TC causing your anxiety, it is just your current focus... Sometimes it can help to go to therapy or such...

Good luck... and relaxxxxxxx

[Aegean]

Best way to not have anxiety over this is to stop consulting Dr. Google about symptoms...

[Fecke]

In all seriousness, I'd advise you to seek therapy. There's absolutely nothing wrong with getting mental health treatment, and talking through things can be beneficial. It's entirely possible that your panic about testicular cancer is symptomatic of other mental health issues, and even if it isn't, talking to a non-judgmental professional can help your work through these issues.

As someone who's suffered through depression and ADHD, I can tell you that getting proper treatment can make a tremendous positive difference in one's life. I strongly urge you to seek treatment, and wish you the best of luck.

[AnxietyStrikes]

Thanks for the replies, my anxiety always brought me back to my bigger right testicle, it's just, I suppose having pain there and then noticing it was bigger, my mind just seems to associate that with the pain and it runs from there. As for therapy of any kind I dont quite have the time and money for that. I wouldn't jump to a mental disorder past just a problem with anxiety (but I would obviously jump to TC right? I know, that's a bit of a contradiction). I keep talk with people around me, but even people who care the most can get irritable, however it does help me. You all are right though, I just need to press on, and have some fun with my youth as opposed to being fear stricken.