Rumors: Kessel has testicular cancer

According to the Boston Globe and CBS 4 in Boston, the mysterious medical issue hounding Phil Kessel may be testicular cancer. The Boston Globe was unable to get confirmation from Peter Chiarelli on the matter.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, when reached by the Globe at approximately 9 p.m., dismissed the notion that Kessel's issues were drug- or alcohol-related, but when asked if he cared to address whether Kessel had been diagnosed with either testicular cancer or depression, Chiarelli offered only, "No, I don't."

Wow. Assuming the testicular cancer rumors are true, that's a big one. First of all, any time you mention the "C" word, it's always a scare no matter how treatable it is. Second, as a male, you never want any kind of illness in that area "down thar" ever. Especially if it could result in the removal of any parts of that said area. A buddy of mine had a scare in high school when he found a lump on one of his testes, resulting in it's removal. Fortunately, the growth was benign and he's been able to father two kids since, but still. That's one of those things that make me cringe when I think of it.

That being said, the positive is that it is highly treatable when detected early. The hope is that it was detected early and that having a full medical staff at his disposal only further helped Kessel's case.

Right now, a return to the ice is an afterthought. You hope it's soon, but Phil's got bigger things to worry about. My prayers are with him.

If anyone out there has had testicular cancer or knows someone who did, please chime in.

Note: A big thanks to number4bobbyorr who tipped GotG off last night on the comments field of another post.

NOTE***
TSN is reporting that Kessel has underwent cancer surgey. Phil's agent, Wade Arnott, did not name the type of cancer, but said he is resting in Boston.