Ultrasound of scrotum

The scrotal ultrasound is considered to be one of the most informative diagnostic methods and allows to conduct a sufficiently detailed study of the condition of the testicle, spermatic cord and appendage.

The study of male genital organs, in particular scrotum ultrasound, is the most objective method in modern diagnostics. It allows to study the degree of development of the sexual organ for the development of the testicles, determines and assesses its functional capacity and maturity. In addition, ultrasound of the scrotum allows to identify and characterize the existing deviations from the normal state, as well as to recognize the development of pathological formations. With the help of the study, various inflammations (epididymitis, orchitis and others) are also determined. In the event that there are neoplasms in the scrotum, ultrasound diagnosis makes it possible to check the process with a biopsy.

Diagnosis is indispensable in case of suspicions of erectile dysfunction, infertility. The time spent ultrasound of the scrotum in the presence of early manifestations of pathologies allows to designate the optimal treatment, to prevent the development of undesirable consequences. In addition, the ultrasound method is also necessary for injuries. Often the research is conducted for preventive purposes.

Ultrasound examination of the scrotum also allows to determine the condition of the testicles, the presence of venous diseases (varicocele), tumor formations, cystic neoplasms in the vas deferens, edema (fluid accumulation), the presence of foreign objects, hypertrophy or testicular hypotrophy.

Many diagnostic procedures have contraindications or limitations. Ultrasound examination of the scrotum is contraindicated and has no age restrictions, it is carried out without any special preparation.

Ultrasound is shown in any unpleasant, painful sensations, a feeling of discomfort in the testicle. In the presence of cryptorchidism (undescended testicle), ultrasound diagnosis is also necessary. Ultrasound is also required for seals, swelling, enlargement or unevenness of the scrotum.

Among the most common pathologies in which this type of study is assigned, the following should be noted:

• Inflammatory processes of various nature, including tuberculosis.
• Tumors of the epididymis and the testis itself (seminoma, teratoma, chorionepithelioma, embryonic carcinoma and others). It should be noted that in most cases, tumor neoplasms are malignant, which can pose a serious danger to the patient in the absence of treatment. Ultrasound diagnostics makes it possible to establish an early stage of neoplasm, in the elimination of which the complex treatment used (surgical intervention, radiotherapy and chemotherapy) can give practically a 100% result.
• Vascular diseases of the scrotum (testicle, spermatic cord, epididymis) - varicose veins (varicocele), testicular infarction or torsion in the spermatic cord.
• Anomalies in development (congenital character) in the testicle - dystopia (abnormal location in the groin canal), atrophy.
• Injuries of the scrotum - hemorrhage, damage to the testicles, hematoma. Ultrasound examination allows not only to reveal violations of the integrity of tissues, but also their localization and size.

How do scrotal ultrasound?

The examination is carried out in the patient's position on the back. To conduct the study, a linear ultrasonic sensor with a frequency of 5 or 7 MHz is used. Using the sensor, an external examination of the scrotum is performed. The procedure is painless, takes about ten minutes. The procedure is performed by an ultrasound doctor or urologist.