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Friday, April 26
 
Lab reports indicate testicular tumor benign

Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Veteran safety Tony Parrish, who signed with the San Francisco 49ers earlier this month, will miss the team's April minicamp after surgery to remove one of his testicles.

Parrish, who started for the Chicago Bears the past four seasons, underwent an exploratory examination last week for a nagging groin injury. The exam unexpectedly revealed a tumor in one of his testicles, and it was removed last Thursday.

Pathology reports indicated the tumor was benign, and Parrish will return to offseason workouts in two weeks with no ill effects.

"It was a shock," Parrish said Friday after posing for pictures at the 49ers' training complex on the first day of minicamp. "I went in knowing that I had a groin injury, and then they told me that I had a tumor in my testicle. It was one of those things where of course you're concerned, but I was very happy that it was caught early.

"I feel blessed for that, and I was able to go ahead and get it taken care of."

Parrish injured his groin last season, and the strain persisted during the offseason. The Niners knew about the injury when they signed Parrish to a five-year, $12 million contract with a $3 million signing bonus to replace Lance Schulters, who later signed with Tennessee.

The team asked Parrish to take the examination that led to the discovery of the tumor, which isn't related to his groin injury, he said.

"It was a blessing in disguise, because the tumor was detected very early, and he is going to be here to play some football very soon," coach Steve Mariucci said.

Parrish had 67 tackles and three of his eight career interceptions last season for the Bears.




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