TESTICULAR PAIN
It is helpful but unnecessary to do an anatomic breakdown in developing
this differential diagnosis. The mnemonic MINT brings the most
important causes to mind instantly.
M—Malformation suggests hernias, varicocele, and torsion of the
testicle.
I—Inflammation recalls epididymitis and epididymoorchitis.
N—Neoplasms of the testicles may be virtually painless, but the
mass will give them away. Tuberculosis is also unlikely to cause significant
pain.
T—Traumatic lesions are common in contact sports, but
occasionally a boy will deny a history of trauma.
Referred pain from renal calculi is a significant cause of testicular
pain. Any condition that irritates the T12 nerve root (e.g., osteoarthritis
and herniated disc) and the course of the peripheral portion of this nerve
(appendicitis) may cause testicular pain, but these are uncommon causes.
Approach to the Diagnosis
The approach to the diagnosis of testicular pain involves searching for
a mass; if it is present, certain questions must be answered. Does it
transilluminate (hydrocele)? Can one get above the swelling (testicular
mass)? Is it reducible (hernia)? Does supporting the testicle relieve the
pain (torsion)? A search for prostatic hypertrophy or prostatitis should be
made, particularly in older men. Smears of urethral discharge, urinalysis
and urine culture, cystoscopy, and an intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may be
indicated in selected cases. An exploration for torsion or hernia may be the
only way to establish these diagnoses.
Pictures
Book Source Details
- Book Title: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care
- Author(s): R. Douglas Collins MD, FACP
- Year of Publication: 2007
- Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2007 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Other Book Chapters Related to Bloody ejaculation
Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Bloody ejaculation:
Copyright Details: Differential Diagnosis in Primary Care, Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.
More About Causes of Bloody ejaculation
» Next page: Videos relating to Bloody ejaculation
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
