Help Deciphering US Results

[artvander]

Hi,

Last week I discovered a small lump on my left testicle. I went to my doctor and he sent me for an ultrasound. I went back to the doctor to find out the results of my US and he basically told me he doesn’t have the expertise to give me a decent answer about what the result mean, so he has referred me to a specialist. He didn’t give me any impression that there was cause for alarm and my appointment with the specialist is almost two weeks away, so I guess he doesn’t think it’s particularly urgent, which is promising.

Still, waiting two weeks to find out what is going on is going to drive me a little crazy. I have a copy of the findings from my US but I don’t really have any idea what any of it means. I tried googling some of the words and from what I could tell nothing seemed to be indicating ‘cancer’, but I was hoping that if I post the findings somebody here might understand what it means and be able to give me some idea of what I’m in for.

I’ve copied it verbatim (question marks included). Also, I'm in Australia if that makes any difference with the medical lingo.

Findings:
A mixed echogenic focus in the lower pole of left testis 1.4x1.3cm showing no vascular flow signals and a likely calcified margin is noted. Another focus of clarification in the interpolar region of left testis 0.09cm seen.
The left testis measures 4.6x2.0x2.8cm and the right 4.7x2.0x3.0cm. The left epididymis are unremarkable. Tiny cysts head of right epididymis, larger measuring 0.7x0.6cm is seen. No hydrocoele or varicocoele.
Conclusion:
Heteroechogenic well-defined ?calcified rim nodular focus lower pole of left testis ?dermoid ?hamartoma. Further evaluation of the same suggested.

Like I said, based on the fairly laid-back attitude of my doctor I’m not getting myself too worked up about it, but if any of you can offer any advice I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Davepet]

Sounds like they are not sure what it is they found. I'd expect your specialist (a urologist?) to get another U/S from a different radiologist. I wouldn't be concerned about the two week wait.

[artvander]

Sounds like they are not sure what it is they found. I'd expect your specialist (a urologist?) to get another U/S from a different radiologist. I wouldn't be concerned about the two week wait.

Thanks for the response. The guy I'm seeing next Friday is actually a 'General Surgeon' (whatever that means). I live in a pretty small town so it's possible that if I needed to see a urologist I'd have to travel to Melbourne (~250km away) so maybe this guy will determine if that's necessary.

Oh well, the waiting game begins I guess. Thanks again.

[artvander]

Just an update:

The surgeon thinks it's 'probably benign', but he's sending me for a CT scan and some blood tests. I have another appointment to get the results in 3 weeks.