Abnormal Scortum| (ultrasonography scan)

Unilateral swelling spelling

Swelling on one side of the scrotum may be due to:

• Hydrocele
• Trauma and torsion of the testis
• Hernia
• Varicocele
• Testicular mass

Hydrocele

Fluid in the scrotum will surround the testis with an echo-free reason, varying in size and position. If the fluid is due to inflammation or trauma, there may be internal debris causing internal echoes on ultrasound. The testis must be carefully examined to exclude underlying malignancy.

Testicular mass

The majority of testicular tumors are malignant. The tumors may be hypoechogenic or hyperechogenic, and the testis may be normal in size or enlarged. The two tests must be compared, because a tumor may replace all the normal tissue, and can then only be recognized by the difference in echogenicity. Even when the two testes are of equal density, gentle compression may show a small tumor not demonstrated by routine scanning. It can be difficult to distinguish between tumors and infection.

Small or absent testis

Failure to demonstrate the testis in the scrotum with ultrasound indicates that the testis is absent. If clinical examination of the inguinal canal reveals a mass, ultrasound can demonstrate the location and size of the mass, but may not be able to differentiate testicular mass from an enlarged lymph node. If there is no palpable mass inguinal region on clinical examination, there is no indication to proceed with ultrasound.