From testicle trouble to detox dilemma – Dr Jeff answers your health questions

DR Jeff Foster is The Sun on Sunday’s resident doctor and is here to help YOU.

Dr Jeff, 43, splits his time between working as a GP in Leamington Spa, Warks, and running his clinic, H3 Health, which is the first of its kind in the UK to look at hormonal issues for both men and women.

See h3health.co.uk and email at drjeff@the-sun.co.uk.

Q: I AM a 67-year-old man and I have a growth on my right testicle.

It has swollen to about the size of a golf ball and is getting larger.

The growth isn’t painful and I’m otherwise in good health.

Do you know what this could be?

Jon Green Brighton

A: I imagine this is causing you a lot of stress, Jon.

There are several reasons why men might get testicular lumps and I am sure your biggest and most obvious fear is testicular cancer.

However, testicular cancer remains rare.

It is actually the 17th most common cancer in men, and unlike many other cancers, it becomes less common with age.

The peak time for a man to get testicular cancer is between his late 20s and 30s, and each year, only one per cent of all new testicular cancers are in males aged 75 and over.

Other causes for testicular swellings include cysts, enlarged veins (known as a varicocele), fluid (known as a hydrocele), or even an abdominal hernia which can descend into the scrotum and cause painless swelling.

The key to treating any testicular swelling is understanding what the underlying cause of the swelling is, so seeing your doctor is essential.

They will examine you and may also arrange an ultrasound scan.

Q: I HAVE recently come off an alcohol detox and I’m so itchy it’s unbearable.

I’ve had it for about three weeks now.

Any suggestions please?

Peter O’Neill Barking, Essex

A: Congratulations on taking the first step to battling your alcoholism, Peter.

By doing this you will improve your overall health in the long run.

Sadly, the duration of your alcohol dependence will determine your withdrawal symptoms, which are known as AWS, after you stop drinking and start to detox.

Two of these symptoms are commonly itching and problems with sleep.

I would make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to try and see if there are also any other underlying conditions.

The first thing they will do regarding the itching is make sure your liver and kidney function is normal, and see that there are no other medical issues that are making you feel unwell.