Scrotal Swelling

Rawan Alshabeeb
Afnan Almarshadi
Supervised by:
Dr. Hamdan Al- Hazmi
 Outline
Anatomy of the scrotum
Differential diagnosis
Approach to a patient with scrotal
swelling
Painfull scrotal swelling
Painless scrotal swelling
 The wall of scrotum has the following
layers(imp for mcq)
1-skin
2-superficial fascia
3-external spermatic fascia
derived from the external
oblique
4-cremasteric muscle derived
from the internal oblique
5- internal spermatic fascia
derived from the fascia
transversalis
6-tunica vaginalis(remnant of
Peritoneum )
 Coverings of the spermatic cord:
* Tunica vaginalis covers the anterior surface of
the spermatic cord just above the testis
* Internal spermatic fascia
(transversalis/endoabdominal fascia)
* Cremasteric fascia (fascia of internal oblique
muscle)
* External spermatic fascia (aponeurosis of the
external oblique muscle)
* The cremasteric fascia contains loops of
cremasteric muscle, which draws the testis
superiorly in the scrotum when it is cold.
 Contents of spermatic cord
Ductus deferens (conveys sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory
duct)
* Arteries
* Testicular artery (arises from the abdominal aorta at L2)
* Artery of the ductus deferens (arises from inferior vesical artery)
* Cremasteric artery (arises from the inferior epigastric artery)
* Veins
* Pampiniform plexus (formed by up to 12 veins, drain into right and left
testicular veins)
* Nerves
* Sympathetic nerve fibers on arteries
* Sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve fibers on the ductus deferens
* Genital branch of the genitofemoral nerve supplying the cremaster
muscle
* Lymphatics
* Lymphatic vessels draining the testis and closely associated structures
* lumbar lymph nodes
 Differential diagnosis of scrotal
swelling

Acute Chronic
Torsion of testis or appendages Intra-scrotal tumors
Trauma Systemic diseases:
Infection/inflammation: Idiopathic lymphedema
epididymo-orchitis Henoch-Schonlein purpura
Hernia
Idiopathic scrotal edema
hydrocele
varicocele
Painful
Torsion of testis or appendages
Trauma
Infection/inflammation
Hernia (strangulation)

Painless
Intra-scrotal tumors
Idiopathic scrotal edema
hydrocele
varicocele
- We have We have 3 ways of DDX must say
them all in exam ;
1- acute vs chronic
2- painful vs painless
3- get above it vs cant
 Approach to a patient with scrotal
swelling
 History
timing of onset: acute or insidious onset
associated symptoms or prior episodes
age at presentation
Physical examination
general appearance
lie of testes(to diffrentiate between torsion and epidiymo
orchitis), scrotal skin, fluid collection,
testes or epididymis tenderness
Get above the swelling ?
 Investigation:

Urinalysis: bacteria, WBCs, crystals

commonly in epididymitis
Obtain urine culture(why ? If pt have +ve
culture with epidedmytise R/O congenital
anomaly by US or MCUG (in pediatrics )
CBC may be helpful
Radiographic studies
Ultrasonography , Nuclear Scan
Doppler US.
 Diagnostic test
Color Doppler ultrasound

Noninvasive assessment of
anatomy and determining
the presence or absence of
blood flow.
sensitivity: 88.9%
specificity of 98.8%
operator dependent.
. FIGURE 1. Color Doppler
ultrasonogram showing acute
torsion affecting the left testis
in a 14-year-old boy who had
acute pain for four hours. Note
decreased blood flow in the left
testis compared with the right
testis
 Color Doppler ultrasound

FIGURE 3. Color Doppler

FIGURE 2. Color Doppler ultrasonogram showing
ultrasonogram showing late torsion inflammation (epididymitis) in
affecting the right testis in a 16- a 16-year-old boy who had
year-old boy who had pain for 24 pain in the left testis for 24
hours. Note increased blood flow
around the right testis but absence hours. Note increased blood
of flow within the substance of the flow in and around the left
testis. testis.
 Color Dopplar US is imp to
differentiate between
epidedmytis and torsion ,
the first we will see high
blood supply in the affected
site(infection) while in the
second decrease blood
supply(torsion )
 PAINFUL
SCROTAL
SWELLING
 1-Testicular torsion(imp)
It is an Emergency.
Due to twisting of the testis
with interference to the arterial
blood supply.
May have torsion of cord or
appendages.
Incidence is highest between
10-20 y.o.
 Clinical Feature

Testicular pain
&swelling( Sudden)
radiating to the lower
abdomen

Nausea and vomiting

previous similar
episode
No voiding complaints
 Most cases spontaneous torsion.
Anterior surface of each testis run towards the
midline.
 Types:
Extravaginal:
exclusive to
perinatal (torsion, the
testis, spermatic cord and
tunica vaginalis twist en
bloc) .It is usually
ASYMPTOMATIC(cuz we
discover it early before
appearnce of symptoms
)...and therefore could be
managed by observation.
Intravaginal: 90% A) extravaginal; (B)
of adolescent age intravaginal
group.
- extravaginal in Regarding Rx;
neonates , and means - In adults we do a
the whole unit torte . testicular incision
- Intravaginalis in adults - in children we do
, means the testes inguinal incision ? Cuz
only tort around it self its usually associated
while the tunica with hernia
vaginalis is not
 On Ex:
Swollen, painful, testis
drawn up to the groin.
Absent of cremastic
reflex on the affected
site
Elevation of scrotum
doesnt provide relife of
pain (-ve prehn sign )
 If you in doubt in case of
acute painful scrotum so
the scrotum must be
explored.
If untreated infarction of
testis will result.
Untwisting should be
carried on within 6 hrs. of
symptoms.
The best "test" to diagnose torsion
is SURGICAL EXPLORATION once
suspected
 management
Rx: EMERGANCY
Explore the testis.
Untwist the testis.
If viable so fix to scrotum
by anchoring it to scrotal
septum and if the other
testis is abnormal fix it.
If infracted so remove it.
 2-Torsion of testicular
appendage(imp):
Most common structure to twist
is the appendix of the testis
(pedunculated hydatid of
morgagni )
Usually a more gradual onset,
pain moderately severe
Blue dot sign.
Age:12 24 years age .

Blue dot sign.

 Management
If dx is in question, surgical
exploration
Rx ;
- If ur not sure if its 1 or 2 do an exploration
surgery .
- If ur sure Rx conservatively
immediate operation with ligation
and amputation of the twisted
appendage.
when the appendix torsion is late in
presentation, it could resemble testicular
torsion
 3-Testicular trauma

Usually in sports
injuries or violance.
may result in bleeding
into the layers of tunica
vaginalis resulting in
haematocele.
S&S: severe pain,
scrotal swelling,
bruising, tender,
enlarged testis.
 Management
Investigation:
scrotal ultrasound (beware of an underlying malignancy).
Treatment: CONSERVATIVE
Bed rest
Scrotal elevation
Surgical exploration may needed if:
1- expanding scrotal hematoma
2- To evcuate the haematocele and to repair the split in tunica
albugenea.
3- very sever pain
 4- Infections of testis & epididymis
May be acute or chronic.
Acute or chronic orchitis may be due to mumps.
Acute epididymo-orchitis may be due to coliform
organisms or gonorrhoea.
Also can follow instrumentation or operations on
prostate.
Chronic epididymo-orchitis :common cause of is a
partially treated acute one & TB or brucellosis .
 clinical features :
pain, edematous, swelling redness of the scrotum,
often associated with pyrexia.
+/- symptoms of UTI
In children differentiation from torsion is often
impossible and scrotum should be explored.
Enlarged tender testis and epididymis.
Prehn sign is +ve
Bilatral swelling and pain could be caused by
lymphoma
 -ve Prehn's sign indicates no pain relief with
lifting the affected testicle, which points
towards testicular torsion which is a surgical
emergency and must be relieved within 6
hours.
Positive Prehn's sign indicates there is pain
relief with lifting the affected testicle, which
points towards epididymitis.
 Management
Investigation:
FBC, MSU, Early morning urine specimens for TB culture.
Treatment:
Acute: Bed rest, Analgesia,
ABx: I.V ciprofluxacin until culture and sensitivity.
Examine the pt in 3 days, if better continue antibiotics, , if pain
worsens, consider chronic causes
Chronic: TB-antituberculous drugs.
Orchidectomy if fails.
Long ABx treatment for non tuberculous epididymo-orchitis.
 PAINLESS
SCROTAL
SWELLING
 1- Hydrocele;
Is collection of abnormal
quantity of serous fluid in
the tunica vaginalis.If it
contains pus or blood it is
called pyocele or
haematocele
respectively.Hydrocele is
more common than the
two other varieties.
 etiology

1-primary;(newborns)
The cause is unknown
Associated with patency
of proccessus vaginalis.

It classified as follows;
1-communicating;
it connect with the
peritoneal cavity.

2-
noncommunicating;
it dose not connect
with peritoneal
cavity.
2- secondary; where the fluid
accumulate secondary to pathology
inside the testis like epididymo-
orchitis,testicular tumor and trauma.
infection --- increase production
+decrease excretion
 Clinical presentation;
Age;
primary hyrocele are most common newborns
Secondary are more common between 20 to 40 years.
Symptoms;
1-painless swelling
2-frequent and painful micturation may occur if hydrocele is
secondary to epididymo-orchitis
Hydrocele not affect fertility
 Clinical picture
Examination;
Position; the swelling usually unilateral but can be bilateral
.if communicating can not feel the cord above the lump.
Colour and temperature; normal
Tenderness; primary are not tender but secondary may be
tender
Composition; fluctuant and have fluid thrill if large enough
Reducibility; can not reduced
Testis impalpable(In communicating type) and
transillumenate
transillumenatE
 Mangement;
Primary; in children
Communicating;
most neonatal hydrocele resolve in first 2 year of
life if persists repair as herniotomy(inguinal
incision ).
NEVER do surgery before 2 years of age.(EXCEPT in
1- very large amount -2- if cant differentiate between it and hernia
3- increase intrabdominal pressure)
NEVER do needle aspiration EVEN in the non- communicating
type(cuz it will reaccumulate)
Noncommunicating;
usually resolves spontaneously
In adult; surgical excision; opening the tunica
vaginalis longitudinally (scrotal incision ), emptying
the hydrocele, everting the sac after excising the
redundant sac and suturing the sac behind the cord
thus obliterating the potential space
Secondary treatment of the underlying condition
Case ;
40 y old man came with painless , transeluminate hydrocele .
What's ur next step ?
A; do an US for scrotom to R/O testicular tumor
 2- Indirect inguinal hernia:
most common ( young , Rt. Side )
10% bilateral .
Hernia in babies are a result of persistent processus
vaginalis.
If strangulated >> painful and may cause testicular
atrophy
Surgery is usually recommended .
3-Varicocele
 Definition
Is dilatation and tortuosity of the pampiniform plexus, which is
the network of veins that drain the testicle.
Due to defective valve or compression of the vein by a nearby
structure, can cause dilatation of the veins

Very common about 20-30% of normal population will have

some degree of varicocele.
More common on left side in 98% of cases.
Bilatral in up to 50% of cases.
Always remember its not painful ..
 IMP
Primary varicocele :
is ONLY +ve at standing
Secondary varicocele : is when varicocele is +ve
at BOTH standing and supine positions.
Secondary varicocele could be a sign of a retroperitoneal mass
like Renal Cell Carcinoma, Wilms tumor and
phaeochromocytoma
- Do retroperitonial US to role out renal ca in 2 cases ;
1- varicocele on the rt side
2- secondary .
 Clinical feature
1. Appear on standing and disapear on lying down.
2. Heavy or dragging sensation in scrotum.
3. The veins often described as bag of worms but
feeling like a plate of lukewarm spaghetti.
4. The affected testes may be small.
5. 90% of Bilateral varicocele may cause infertility.
6. Be caution that a sudden onset of a left varicocele
which does not disapear on lying down in old
patient may be due to an obstruction of left renal
vein by a renal cell carcinoma.
 managment
Diagnosis:
Clinical and US.
Treatment:
No treatment required in asymptomatic.
If symptomatic so intervention required either by
embolization and oblitration under radiological control or
if surgery indicated varecocelectomy is via inguinal
approach,all testicular veins being ligated at deep inguinal
ring.
In Rx we can do either open or laparoscopic
varecocelectomy .
4- Epididymal cyst
 Epididymal cyst (spermatocele)
Cysts arise from
diverticula of the vasa
efferentia, they are fluid
filled cysts connected with
epididymis.
May be small ,large
,multiple, uni or bilateral.
Usually occur over 40
years.
S&S: Scrotal swelling,
slowly enlarges, painless.
Lie above and slightly
behind the testes.
You can get above it.
 Epididymal cyst
Usually smooth and lobulated, fluctuant,
transilluminates if contains clear fliud.
Rx : none unless large or painfull , so surgical
excision, and that will compromise the fertility of the
testis. In consent form we have to inform pt about
the side effect which is infertility
 5- Idiopathic scrotal edema :
Difficult to distinguish from torsion/tumor
Ages 4 to 12
Sudden onset, unilateral or bilateral but commonly
bilatral .
Minimal tenderness
Normal gonads by U/S Pathognomic sign is thickness
of scrotal wall on US
Self limiting process
conservative treatment
 6- Testicular cancer
The commonest malignancy
in young men.
90% arise from germ cells
and are either seminomas or
teratomas.
10% are lymphomas, sertoli
cell tumours or leyding cell
tumours.
Imperfectly descended testes
have a 20-30 The commonest
malignancy in young men.
 Classification(not imp)
Germ cell tumer
Seminoma
Spermatocytic seminoma
Embryonal carcinoma
Yolk sac tumour
Trophoblastic tumour
Teratoma Dermoid cyst, Epidermoid cyst
Mixed Germ Cell and Sex Cord/Gonadal Stromal
Tumours
Leyding cell tumour
Sertoli cell tumour
Granulosa cell tumour
Sex cord/Gonadal stromal tumours
gonadoblastoma
 Clinical feature
Painless solid swelling of the testis.
Heaviness in the scrotum.
May be Hx of trauma.
Palpable abdominal mass.
Spread to para-aortic nodes and to left
supraclavicular node.
Chest symptoms due to metastases.
 Investigation(For staging )
US to the testis
CXR
Tumour markers: AFP, HCG, LDH
CT scan
 treatment
RADICAL INGUNAL ORCHEDICTOMY .

If metastasized :
1. If seminoma: Radiotherapy plus chemotherapy.
2. If teratoma: combination chemotherpay 3
drugs(etoposide, vinblastine, methotrexate,
bleomycin, cisplastin)( not imp )