Scrotal Mass
Testicular swelling and pain with scrotal wall erythema and a reactive hydrocele.
Physical Exam epididymo-orchitis
Non-tender/tender swollen scrotum on 1 or both sides which feels like a water-filled balloon.
Physical Exam hydrocele
Mass palpated in inguinal canal Non-tender if not strangulated or incarcerated Enlarges with Valsava or standing
Physical exam of hernia
Color Doppler Ultrasound
Transverse power Doppler image of both testes illustrates an enlarged, avascular left testicle due to torsion.
Testicular Torsion and Epididymitis are most common in who?
While more common in neonates and postpubertal boys, Testicular Torsion and Epididymitis are the most common causes of acute scrotal pain in adults
Cremasteric Reflex
While observing the ipsilateral testis, gently stroke or pinch the skin of the upper thigh. A normal response is cremasteric contraction with elevation of the testis. The reflex is usually absent in patients with testicular torsion but present in patients with Epididymitis and other causes of scrotal pain³
Reactive hydroceles
due to inflammatory etiologies can produce an acute reactive hydrocele.
Distinction between a spermatocele and an epididymal cyst
epididymal cystic masses that are larger than 2 cm are called spermatoceles (and are usually filled with sperm)
- 9 Male : 1 Female ratio - Higher incidence 40-59 yo
Inguinal hernia
Indicates no pain relief with lifting the affected testicle, which points towards testicular torsion . In fact, raising the testicle may increase the pain associated with torsion.
Negative Prehn's sign
- Firm, non-tender mass on testis
Physical exam of malignancy
The physical lifting of the testis relieves the pain of epididymitis but not pain caused by testicular torsion
Positive Prehen's Sign
If severe testicular pain must rule out what?
Testicular Torsion
Urological Emergency
Testicular torsion
Painful non-traumatic sudden onset Scrotal mass
Testicular torsion Appendage Torsion
Painful Scrotal Mass
Testicular torsion Appendage Torsion Epididymitis Epididymoorchitis
A remnant of the Mullerian duct present on the upper pole of the testis.
appendix testis
Initial choice to diagnose testicular cancer
scrotal ultrasound
Scrotal Ultrasound
show cystic structure on head of epididymis clearly separate from testis.
Testicular Torsion History
- Acute onset of severe, unilateral scrotal pain - Associated nausea, vomiting, scrotal swelling
Physical Exam Testicular Torsion
- High riding testicle in transverse lie -Very tender to palpation -Enlargement and edema of testicle and scrotum - Absent cremasteric reflex
Treatment for scrotal ultrasound
- Orchiectomy - Chemotherapy - Radiotherapy - Fertility preservation
Tumor markers for scrotal ultrasound
- beta-HCG (beta subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - AFP (Alpha Fetoprotein) - LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)
Symptoms can range from no symptoms to testicular pain and swelling with urinary tract symptoms
Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Causes Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Causes Usually an infectious etiology -Acute bacterial epididymitis (< 6 weeks) -Chronic bacterial epididymitis ( ≥ 6 weeks) Can be noninfectious - trauma, autoimmune disease
Diagnosis of Epididymal cyst
Clinical diagnosis Scrotal Ultrasound
Diagnosis Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Clinical diagnosis Urine studies - confirmatory -Urinalysis -Urine culture -If urethral discharge, send for culture and nucleic acid amplification testing for chlamydia and gonorrhea. Testicular ultrasound - rule out Testicular torsion.
Epididymal cyst definition
Collection of fluid anywhere in the epididymis, but usually in the head of the epididymis.
Hydrocele definition
Collection of parietal fluid between the layers of the membrane (tunica vaginalis) that surrounds the testis or along the spermatic cord (HYDROCELE of CORD).
Present with Epididymitis, but NOT with Testicular torsion.
Cremasteric reflex
Treatment of varicocele
Dependent upon maintaining fertility and relieving pain
Usually by History & Physical Ultrasound may be required if diagnosis uncertain.
Diagnosis of Inguinal Hernia
Develop medial to the inferior epigastric vessels
Direct hernia
Painless Scrotal Mass
Epididymal Cyst Spermatocele Hydrocele Varicocele Inguinal Hernia Testicular malignancy
Smooth, round, non-tender cystic mass on epididymis
Epididymal cyst
Usually asymptomatic Incidental finding by patient or doctor
Epididymal cyst
Transilluminates painless scrotal mass
Epididymal cyst spermatocele Hydrocele
Painful non-traumatic gradual onset onset Scrotal mass
Epididymitis Epididymo orchitis
Most common cause of scrotal pain in adults in outpatient setting
Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Physical Exam: A distinctly swollen, indurated, and tender epididymis distinct from the testis.
Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Heaviness or dull discomfort Bulge in groin or scrotum Painful if incarcerated or strangulated
History of inguinal hernia
-Usually presents as a nodule or a painless swelling or mass of one testicle.
History of testicular malignancy
Common in male infants and the newborn. Most pediatric hydroceles are congenital and resolve within the first year of life.
Hydrocele
May occur in adult men. Can be idiopathic or inflammatory due to minor trauma, scrotal surgery, infection, epididymitis, testicular torsion or testicular tumor.
Hydrocele
History of Hydrocele
Idiopathic Reactive
Testicular Torsion Treatment
Immediate surgical exploration with intraoperative detorsion and fixation of the testes. Manual detorsion is performed if surgical intervention is not immediately available. -Most torsions twist inward and toward the midline; thus, manual detorsion of the testicle involves twisting outward and laterally. -Rotation of the testicle may need to be repeated 2-3 times for complete detorsion and to provide pain relief to the patient. -Pain relief is your guide for successful detorsion.
-Most common -Develop at internal ring lateral to inferior epigastric artery
Inguinal hernia
7 attributes of symptoms
Location - where on the body?: testicle, scrotum Quality: painful, hard/solid, soft/cystic, size, enlarging Quantity: wax/wane Onset/Timing: sudden, gradual, trauma Setting: standing, laying, straining Better or worse: Valsava Associated manifestations: abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dysuria, fever
Testicular malignancy
Most common solid tumor in men between the ages of 18 and 40. Most palpable testicular tumors in adults are malignant. Histologic classification is complex: Germ cell tumors (>90%)
Orchitis
Mumps orchitis is the most common viral etiology, occurring 20-30% of men with mumps.
Epididymal cyst Treatment
Reassurance and rarely surgery for Spermatocele causing chronic pain.
Diagnosis of Varicocele
Scrotal Ultrasound If diagnosis uncertain, ultrasound should be performed to rule out underlying cancer
Hydrocele diagnosis
Scrotal Ultrasound If diagnosis uncertain, ultrasound should be performed to rule out underlying cancer
Swelling of the skin means what?
Sebaceous cyst R/O Squamous cell carcinoma
Treatment of hydrocele
Surgical excision of the hydrocele sac. Simple aspiration unsuccessful due to rapid reaccumulation of fluid. If asymptomatic ( no pain or pressure), can follow clinically.
Treatment of Diagnosis Epididymitis --> Epididymo-orchitis
Surgical exploration - if severe epididymitis and testicular pain. Parenteral antibiotics - acutely febrile with sepsis Outpatient oral antibiotics, ice, and scrotal elevation - less severe cases.
Treatment of Inguinal Hernia
Surgical repair -Open procedure -Laparoscopic Watchful waiting -Patient needs to be aware of the risk of incarceration and strangulation
What is contained within the scrotum
Testes Epididymis vas deferens veins (pampiniform plexus) paratesticular tissue & spaces
"blue dot" sign in the skin of the scrotum may be seen due to infarction and necrosis of the appendix testis.
Torsion of the appendix testis
The leading cause of scrotal pathology in childhood. Most cases occur between 7- 14 years of age.
Torsion of the appendix testis
pathology physiology of testicular torsion
Torsion of the testicle results from twisting of the spermatic cord, which then compromises the blood supply. The resulting ischemia can lead to changes in testicular morphology, sperm formation, and even necrosis with complete testicular loss.
Abnormal dilation of the internal spermatic veins and pampiniform plexus that drain the testis. Present in 15-20% of post-pubertal males Left-sided predominance due to anatomy Unilateral right-sided varicoceles are very rare and should raise suspicion of inferior vena caval obstruction Common cause of infertility
Varicocele
Does not Transilluminate painless scrotal mass
Varicocele Inguinal Hernia Testicular malignancy
Many are asymptomatic. May have dull aching scrotal pain more noticeable when standing and relieved by recumbency. Testicular atrophy and infertility possible.
Varicocele History
Soft, lumpy scrotal mass ("bag of worms"); more pronounced with standing or Valsava
Varicocele PE
Idiopathic hydroceles
begin as small, painless collections of fluid in the scrotal sac. Pain may develop and increase as hydrocele size increases.