"Help, I've got a lump!" No need to think the worst right away, but a visit to the urologist is necessary. What will it entail?
While breast self-examination is very often discussed and most women include it in their regular body and health care, male genital self-examination is a less common topic - but no less important! If a man notices a lump, whether on the penis, in the scrotum, in the groin or in the surrounding area, he should be alert. "Cancer is definitely not behind everything. But it's important to make an appointment with urology and go in for an examination within a week at most," consistently advises Dr. Stolz, adding that a layman cannot properly assess the condition of the lump. Lumps, balls and growths are often benign formations that arise accidentally, often as a result of a mini trauma or blow. And even doctors can't always determine the cause. There are also sexually transmitted diseases that manifest themselves precisely by lumps and growths on and around the genital area. If it is the so-called condylomata accuminata, the urologist will probably refer you to dermatovenerology. At the same time, however, a lump can also signal the dreaded cancer. However, the patient cannot be oriented by the painfulness either, as pain is usually not the main attribute of a tumour. In the early stages, cancer does not hurt.
What to expect at the examination
You do not need a GP referral to see a urologist, you just need to make an appointment. If a man comes to the urologist with a suspicious finding, he will initially be interviewed by the doctor. The specialist will ask about his medical history, talk to the patient about where he found what. Next, the doctor will examine the patient standing and lying down and palpate the scrotum. "The examination at the UroClinic includes an ultrasound, takes no more than 10-15 minutes and is painless. Based on all the examinations, the doctor will tell the patient 99% of the time whether everything is OK or not," says MUDr. Stolz, describing how a visit to the urologist's office works.
Men's bogeyman: Testicular and penile cancer
Testicular cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. "It affects two groups of men: young men around 18 or 20 years old, and then men around 50 years old. The cancer often occurs in men who have had surgery for undescended testicles later in life," says Dr Stolz, who points out the risk groups. Compared to testicular cancer, penile cancer is relatively rare, with fewer than 100 new cases diagnosed in the Czech Republic each year. Penile cancer occurs most often between the ages of 50 and 80, usually affecting the foreskin and glans penis. In the initial stage, the tumour appears as a reddened area on the glans or foreskin, which gradually develops into an enlarging growth or, on the contrary, into an ulcer-like lesion. "If the tumour is not removed in time, it continues to grow and can gradually affect the entire stomach or penis, or it can spread to the inguinal lymph nodes," warns MUDr. Monika Purmová from UroKlinikum.
If a man undergoes circumcision before the first sexual intercourse, he significantly reduces the possibility of HPV transmission during sexual intercourse and virtually eliminates the possibility of having penile cancer. And what will be the next course of action if the doctor does indeed detect cancer of the penis, testicles, or any other part?"In this case, it is necessary to come as soon as possible. Treatment is usually surgical with subsequent chemotherapy or radiotherapy," concludes MUDr. Stolz.
Gentlemen, make a note in your calendar: Self-examination is important!
The ideal is to perform a genital self-examination once a month and set a specific day so that you don't forget. Check the condition of your genitals not only by sight but also by touch. The testicles can be better palpated after a warm shower. Palpate with both hands, one at a time, noting in particular the change in shape, size, changes in the skin, but also the irregularities of the surface and the bullae. Palpate them from top to bottom and from bottom to top. If you find any suspicious formation or change, do not hesitate to make an appointment with a urologist as soon as possible - the earlier the disease is detected, the better the prospects for recovery. Preventive check-ups with a urologist also play an important role, and don't forget general cancer prevention and a healthy lifestyle associated with physical activity, a balanced diet and the absence of alcohol and smoking.
