The scrotal ultrasound examines the testes and epididymides in the scrotum. The scrotal ultrasound also assesses the spermatic cord containing the vas deferens, nerves and the vessels supplying the testicles. The indication for testicular ultrasound is any change in the size or structure of the testicles, as well as post-traumatic conditions of the scrotum. Many pathologies can lead to the development of male infertility. Performing an ultrasound of the scrotum allows to establish the diagnosis and start possible treatment.
Make an appointment now - to the doctor who performs the ultrasound of the testicles (scrotum) in our hospital
[title]
[image-intro]
[readmore text="Read more"]{/article}
Indications for testicular ultrasound examination
Every man should perform a testicular self-examination a month. The suspicious changes that should prompt you to visit a urologist include:
palpable lump on the testicle,
testicular pain
testicular enlargement,
change in the shape of the testicle.
swelling of the scrotum.
Testicular ultrasound - what does it look like?
Before performing the ultrasound of the testicles, the urologist-ultrasonographer conducts an interview regarding the beginning and nature of any pain in the testicle, lower abdomen and possible difficulties in urinating. The doctor then palpates the scrotum, assessing the position and shape of the testicles, and checks the testicles for lumps and nodules.
The testes ultrasound is performed in the supine and / or standing position. The doctor moves an ultrasound head moistened with a gel over the scrotum. The ultrasound head emits ultrasound waves that reflect from the tissues and return as an echo, generating an image that is observed by the doctor on the monitor screen. Ultrasound examination of the scrotum is safe and shows no negative effect on the function of the testicles. If necessary, the examination may be extended to include ultrasound of the abdominal lymph nodes or ultrasound of the urinary tract.
What does ultrasound of the scrotum detect?
Kernel waterman
A hydrocele is the most common cause of scrotal swelling. A hydrocele is a type of cyst in which fluid accumulates. The hydrocele can be a congenital or acquired defect. In adult men, hydrocele of the testes is most often caused by inflammation of the testicle or epididymis and as a result of the infiltration of the testicular tumor. Hydroids may also appear after perineal postoperative procedures or scrotal injuries. Symptoms of a testicular hydrocele is one-sided swelling of the scrotum that increases in the evening hours. The testicle is not painful on palpation unless a very large hydrocele develops. The testicle hydration does not make it difficult to urinate.
Testicle torsion
The essence of the torsion of the testicle is the twisting of the spermatic cord along with the rotation of the testicle. As a result, the blood flow in the spermatic cord is disturbed - the testicle becomes ischemic. Symptoms of testicular torsion are unilateral testicular pain. The scrotum may be red and painful to touch. Untreated testicular torsion can lead to infertility. In some cases, acute ischemia causing testicular infarction may even require testicular amputation.
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord
Varicose veins of the spermatic cord disturb the outflow of venous blood from the testicles. The cause of varicocele are abnormalities in the structure of the valves, which normally prevent blood from flowing back in the lumen of the vein. If the condition is not treated, it can reduce the mobility and number of sperm (infertility). The first time diagnosed varicose veins of the left spermatic cord requires an additional ultrasound examination of the left kidney to exclude pathology in its vicinity. It is related to the outflow of blood from the left testicle to the left renal vein. In addition, most varicose veins are formed in the left seminal cord, which is related to the above variation in the structure of the venous system.
Inflammation of the epididymis
Epididymitis often occurs in young sexually active men. The most common cause of epididymitis is a bacterial infection that spreads through urinary tract infections. Inflammation can also be caused by sexually transmitted microorganisms (chlamydia, gonorrhea). Less commonly, orchitis is viral or fungal. The course of the disease is usually acute - testicular pain, unilateral swelling and scrotal tenderness appear within a few days. Symptoms may coexist or be preceded by symptoms of urinary tract infection (burning during urination, pollakiuria).
Testicular inflammation
Testicular inflammation is usually a complication of epididymitis. Less common is testicular inflammation in the course of viral parotitis (so-called mumps). Symptoms include unilateral swelling of the scrotum and testicular pain. Sometimes there are systemic symptoms (fever, malaise) resulting from the accompanying urinary tract infection. These symptoms should not be ignored - untreated orchitis can lead to scrotal abscess, epididymal fibrosis, vas obstruction and secondary infertility.
Traumatic conditions of the scrotum
Blunt trauma to the scrotum can damage the testicle and adjacent structures. The trauma may lead to rupture of the testicle and / or the formation of a hematoma in the testicle. Damage to the spermatic cord results in ischemia or testicular infarction. Ultrasound examination of the scrotum allows the assessment of the extent of damage and facilitates the decision on treatment.
Testicular cancer
Testicular cancer can occur at any age. Typical symptoms of testicular cancer are a lump or a painless lump in the testicle. The change may sometimes be accompanied by swelling of the scrotum, a feeling of distension and discomfort in the scrotum. Symptoms related to the occurrence of metastases encourage a visit to a doctor: lower abdominal pain or chronic cough with hemoptysis. Sometimes, during an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, an enlargement of retroperitoneal lymph nodes in the abdominal cavity is accidentally diagnosed.
At the Dworska Hospital in Krakow, testicular ultrasound examinations are performed on modern USG 4D, USG 3D General Electric® machines of the Voluson® series.
Frequently asked questions about ultrasound of the testicles (scrotum):
The ultrasound examination of the testicles is performed by a doctor qualified in the field of ultrasound diagnostics of the genital organs (urologist, radiologist, surgeon).
The ultrasound does not require any special preparation. Before the ultrasound examination, the doctor palpates the scrotum. During the ultrasound examination, the doctor moves the ultrasound head over the scrotum. The monitor screen shows the image of the nuclei and adjacent structures obtained thanks to the reflection of ultrasonic waves. The examination lasts several minutes, is painless and has no negative effect on the function of the testicles.
A common symptom of testicular cancer is a painless lump on the testicle. Initial diagnosis is possible during the ultrasound examination of the testicles. In order to confirm the diagnosis, the level of tumor markers is determined. Abdominal ultrasound, lymph nodes ultrasound and chest tomography are also performed to visualize any metastases.
