Unusual growth could be cancer
Dear Dr. Gott: One of my testicles is enlarged to about half-greater than the other. It began a few weeks ago and seems to be getting larger. What is the cause and would you advise an operation? I’m past 91 and have other health problems, such as a heart attack 17 years ago.
Dear Reader: A testicle may acutely swell from injury or the accumulation of fluid (hydrocele) within the testicular covering. However, the most serious cause of testicular enlargement is a growth.
You need an examination by your family physician or a urologist to diagnose your symptom. If the swelling is merely fluid, it can be ignored.
On the other hand, testicular cancer should be removed – and can very easily be done so, even in an older person. Don’t put off seeing a doctor.
Dear Dr. Gott: For six months I’ve had dull red splotches on both feet, ankles and lower legs. My doctor speaks of peripheral vascular disorder, but I’m not getting answers from him, except to visit again in six months. Is this condition cause for concern?
Dear Reader: Circulatory disturbances may result in striking skin changes over the legs and feet: everything from dry, thin skin to painful ulcerations. I cannot tell from your question whether the veins are affected (in which case, elastic support hose might help) or the arteries are to blame. In the latter instance, the situation will worsen, leading to breakdown of the skin. (These conditions usually can be differentiated during an office examination.)
I believe this is an appropriate opportunity for you to ask for a referral to a vascular specialist. Your doctor seems to have adopted a “wait and see” approach, and while this may be entirely suitable, I’d hate to have you get into trouble in a year or two, when treatment (such as surgical bypass) would be futile because of irreparable tissue damage.
Get a second opinion – and with it, some answers about the reason for your affliction and what can be done about it, with either medicines or surgery.
To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my Health Report “Medical Specialists.” Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.
Dear Dr. Gott: Is the current preoccupation with dietary calcium (added to foods such as orange juice and other nondairy products) likely to lead to gallstones, kidney stones or any other health problem?
Dear Reader: To my knowledge, there are no reports that dietary calcium (from any source) will – in healthy individuals – lead to stones or disorders. In fact, such calcium will help strengthen the bones, treat osteoporosis and prevent fractures.