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Tests and diagnosis

By Mayo Clinic staff

Your doctor will rely on a number of factors to diagnose a scrotal mass, including information that you provide and a physical exam. Your doctor will examine the scrotum by carefully feeling (palpating) the scrotum, its contents and nearby areas of the groin. Other tests may include:

  • Transillumination. Shining a bright light through the scrotum may provide preliminary information about the size, location and makeup of a scrotal mass.
  • Ultrasound. An ultrasound test uses sound waves to create an image of internal organs. This test can provide detailed information about the size, location and makeup of a scrotal mass, as well as the condition of the testicles. In most cases, an ultrasound is a necessary tool to diagnose a scrotal mass.
  • Urine test. Laboratory tests of a sample of urine may detect a bacterial or viral infection or the presence of blood or pus in the urine.
  • Blood test. Laboratory tests of a blood sample may detect a bacterial or viral infection or elevated levels of certain proteins that are associated with testicular cancer.
  • Computerized tomography (CT) scan. If other tests have indicated testicular cancer, you'll likely undergo a CT scan, a specialized X-ray exam, of your chest, abdomen and groin to see if cancer has spread to other tissues or organs (metastasized).
Treatments and drugs Preparing for your appointment

  • See Also

    • Hand Scheduled
    Section Focus
  • Testicular exam

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References
  1. Orchitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals.  http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec17/ch239/ch239e.html. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  2. Epididymitis. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals.  http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec17/ch239/ch239d.html. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  3. Testicular cancer. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals.  http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec17/ch241/ch241h.html. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  4. Haynes JH. Inguinal and scrotal disorders. Surgical Clinics of North America. 2006;86:371.
  5. Junnila J, et al. Testicular masses. American Family Physician. 1998;57:685.
  6. Shaw J. Diagnosis and treatment of testicular cancer. American Family Physician. 2008;7:469.
  7. Brenner JS, et al. Causes of painless scrotal swelling in children and adolescents.  http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 28, 2009.
  8. Galejs LE. Diagnosis and treatment of the acute scrotum. American Family Physician. 1999;59:817.
  9. Elder J. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman R, et al., eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders/Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/142753628-2/0/1608/1246.html?tocnode=54484554&fromURL=1246.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50547-8_9817. Accessed May 20, 2009.
  10. Cole FL, et al. The acute, nontraumatic scrotum: Assessment, diagnosis, and management. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. 2004;16:50.
  11. Marcozzi D, et al. The nontraumatic, acute scrotum. Emergency Medical Clinics of North America. 2001;19:547.
  12. Testicular cancer: Questions and answers. National Cancer Institute.  http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/sites-types/testicular. Accessed May 25, 2009.
  13. Cooper C, et al. Undescended testicle (cryptorchidism). http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 22, 2009.
  14. Barthold JS, et al. The epidemiology of congenital cryptorchidism, testicular ascent and orchiopexy. Journal of Urology. 2003;170:2396.
  15. Eyre RC. Evaluation of the acute scrotum in adult men.  http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 28, 2009.
  16. Information from your family doctor. Testicular cancer. American Family Physician. 2004;69:613.

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July 14, 2009

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