Swellings


Scrotal Swellings


Scrotal swellings are a common presenting complaint in the outpatient clinic. They are also therefore common in clinical examinations. It is important to be able to make a rapid diagnosis of testicular torsion and take appropriate action, i.e. surgery. It is also important to distinguish between those swellings that have underlying serious pathology (testicular tumour) and those that are simple and benign (epididymal cysts).




History



Sebaceous cyst


The patient may complain of several painful lumps on the scrotal skin. There may be a history of one or more of them becoming red, inflamed and tender with discharge.



Indirect inguinal hernia


The patient will be often aware of what the lump is. He may be able to reduce it. The hernia may present with a painful, irreducible swelling and signs of intestinal obstruction.



Hydrocele


An idiopathic hydrocele usually presents as a painless scrotal swelling which may become quite large. They usually occur over the age of 50 years. Occasionally, there may be pain and discomfort if there is underlying testicular disease. A younger patient presenting with a hydrocele should raise the suspicion of an underlying malignancy.



Epididymal cyst


This presents as a painless scrotal swelling. Epididymal cysts may slowly enlarge over many years. They may be bilateral.



Epididymo-orchitis


The patient complains of pain and swelling, usually unilaterally. There are usually constitutional symptoms of malaise and fever. It may be accompanied by urinary tract infection with dysuria and frequency.




Testicular tumour


Teratomas occur between 18 and 30 years, seminomas between 30 and 45 years. The common presentation is a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum accompanied by a painless swelling. Occasionally, symptoms are due to secondary deposits, e.g. abdominal pain from enlarged retroperitoneal lymph nodes. Occasionally, distant lymphadenopathy, e.g. cervical, may be a presenting symptom.

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May 18, 2017 | Posted by in GENERAL & FAMILY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Swellings

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