Hello,
A few months ago I developed what I believe is a cyst on the scrotum (not the testicles). It was a 1 inch white lump with no pain or discomfort. Recently, the lump has become very swollen, sore, itchy, red (with some hardening of the skin around the area) and some drainage has occured, leaving a small open sore on the lump itself. To me, these are all signs that the cyst or lump has become infected.
Obviously, I need to see a doctor asap. But therein lies the dilemma. I contacted my usual clinic to make an appointment with a general urologist. The problem being, there are no open appointments for 5 weeks with any urologist within the branches of the local clinics. I don't feel safe waiting for 5 weeks to deal with an infection, especially in such a sensitive area. As of now the infection doesn't seem to have spread, but if there's anything I know about infections in general, its that the earlier they are treated, the better.
This brings me to my question. Before I start calling every urologist in the state, is this something that I NEED to see a urologist about? Or can a general physician (which is much easier to make an appointment for) help just as much? Regardless, I know a urologist is needed at some point to test for more serious conditions like cancer, but in the meantime can a general physician at least treat the infection and relieve the pain? Or will they just refer me back to a urologist?
I appreciate any help/advice provided.
Thanks
A few months ago I developed what I believe is a cyst on the scrotum (not the testicles). It was a 1 inch white lump with no pain or discomfort. Recently, the lump has become very swollen, sore, itchy, red (with some hardening of the skin around the area) and some drainage has occured, leaving a small open sore on the lump itself. To me, these are all signs that the cyst or lump has become infected.
Obviously, I need to see a doctor asap. But therein lies the dilemma. I contacted my usual clinic to make an appointment with a general urologist. The problem being, there are no open appointments for 5 weeks with any urologist within the branches of the local clinics. I don't feel safe waiting for 5 weeks to deal with an infection, especially in such a sensitive area. As of now the infection doesn't seem to have spread, but if there's anything I know about infections in general, its that the earlier they are treated, the better.
This brings me to my question. Before I start calling every urologist in the state, is this something that I NEED to see a urologist about? Or can a general physician (which is much easier to make an appointment for) help just as much? Regardless, I know a urologist is needed at some point to test for more serious conditions like cancer, but in the meantime can a general physician at least treat the infection and relieve the pain? Or will they just refer me back to a urologist?
I appreciate any help/advice provided.
Thanks
When I asked for an appointment with my dermatologist a GP asked what for and asked if she could have a look. When she saw that it was cyst, she told me that she could take care of it and that there’s no need seeing a specialist.
Your cyst does sound like either inflamed or infected, probably both actually. Infected by bacteria certainly since it formed in the first place.
You can safely turn to a GP. You will get some antibiotics, oral and topical to apply for a few days. If there’s an inflammation, s/he may recommend using a steroid cream to reduce the inflammation.
Urologist won’t be of much help there and will do the same thing as a GP would.
Your cyst does sound like either inflamed or infected, probably both actually. Infected by bacteria certainly since it formed in the first place.
You can safely turn to a GP. You will get some antibiotics, oral and topical to apply for a few days. If there’s an inflammation, s/he may recommend using a steroid cream to reduce the inflammation.
Urologist won’t be of much help there and will do the same thing as a GP would.