Does an MRI scan tell you 100%

Hi mate,

In 2014 I began having left groin pain and was referred for an ultrasound which showed a large mass in my right testicle. I was very sceptical about the cancer diagnosis and asked for a second opinion which I was advised would be pointless and only delay treatment. I went ahead with the orchidectomy and went home feeling the job was done and I’ll now be cancer free. My pain continued though and when I returned 2 weeks later to get my results they told me that there was no cancer found in the testicle and that it would need to be sent off to Barts hospital to be looked at as they couldn’t believe there was no cancer - especially after seeing the ultrasound etc. A month later the lead pathologist at Barts sent a report saying that in many cases to avoid unnecessary orchidectomy it is best to wait and see and to monitor the testicle. In my case this would’ve been the best option as it turned out to just be scar tissue and if they has listened to my concerns they may have picked it up on an MRI or PET scan but obviously this costs money and they’re already overwhelmed as it is. Unfortunately for me my pain is still there 5 years later and I also have fairly low testosterone thanks to being down to one testicle and ongoing depression etc. Luckily I’m having steroid injections in a couple of weeks to hopefully cure the pain but I’m still left with only one testicle due their misdiagnosis. The moral of the story is obviously nothing is ever 100% but you should push for further tests and even pay privately for extra ones if you are unsure or feel rushed into making a decision like having a sexual organ removed.

cheers

Paul

Paul,

thanks for your reply mate, means a lot. Jesus I’m sorry to hear about what you’ve had to go through mate, I actually don’t have many words. I could understand my urologist knee jerk reaction (in some sense) as my chap ain’t really doing what he’s meant to and I’m thinking it’s a no brainier for them. However in my head it’s everything to me..?   However this misdiagnosis with you actually fills me with rage, and I applaud you Paul for writing in a clear calm way about your experience and advice.

Since Friday, I’ve done a little research, and have learned more about the post operation of having it removed, And a lot has stated pretty much what you have said, and are going through. 

Thanks for the advice and your time to write mate, hope the steroid injection does it’s job. I shall stick a wee update here when I’ve had my m.r.i scan. 

Cheers 

Graeme