Symptom Finder - Scrotal Mass
Scrotal Mass
Transillumination is extremely useful in distinguishing a hydrocele from a hernia or testicular tumor. It is necessary to use a strong light. A varicocele can be distinguished by the fact that it disappears when the scrotum is raised above the abdomen. A hernia can be diagnosed by the fact that it is reducible unless it is incarcerated. One other sign of a hernia is that the physician cannot “get above” the swelling (i.e., feel the upper border of it) as he or she can with tumors or orchitis. Torsion of the testicle can be differentiated from orchitis by the relief of pain on elevating the testicle in torsion. Also, the cremasteric reflex is absent on the side of the torsion.
Transillumination is extremely useful in distinguishing a hydrocele from a hernia or testicular tumor. It is necessary to use a strong light. A varicocele can be distinguished by the fact that it disappears when the scrotum is raised above the abdomen. A hernia can be diagnosed by the fact that it is reducible unless it is incarcerated. One other sign of a hernia is that the physician cannot “get above” the swelling (i.e., feel the upper border of it) as he or she can with tumors or orchitis. Torsion of the testicle can be differentiated from orchitis by the relief of pain on elevating the testicle in torsion. Also, the cremasteric reflex is absent on the side of the torsion.
