Can a gp tell the difference between testicualr cancer and spermaticule solely by clinical examination? is misdiagnosis common?

Yes. No.: Testicular cancer is generally hard and in the testicle. Spermatocele is soft and outside the testicle. If there is any question, ultrasound is always available.

No: The diagnosis of testicular cancer is made on pathologic tissue analysis after the testicle has been removed. Physical exam alone should not be the only parameter used to guide the evaluation of a possible testicular mass. Ultrasound, tumor markers, and a thorough history are important as well. Spermatoceles typically occur in the area of the epididymis and are non-cancerous entities.