| Ultrasound of the Scrotum
What is Scrotal Ultrasound Imaging? Back to Top
Ultrasound
or sonography involves sending sound waves into the body. These sound
waves are reflected off the internal organs and are recorded by special
instruments that create images of anatomic parts. No ionizing radiation
(x-ray) is involved in ultrasound imaging. Ultrasound images are
captured in real-time so they can show movement of internal tissues and
organs, such as the flow of blood in arteries and veins.
Ultrasound imaging of the scrotum is the primary imaging method used
to evaluate disorders of the testicles and surrounding areas. It is
used when a patient is experiencing pain or swelling in the scrotum, a
mass has been felt by the patient or doctor, or there's been trauma to
the scrotal area.
What are some common uses of the procedure? Back to Top
For
males, ultrasound is a valuable tool for evaluating the testes, the
epididymis (a tube that collects sperm made by the testicles) and the
prostate. Scrotal ultrasound imaging can help determine the cause of
testicular pain or swelling. Some of the problems ultrasound imaging
can identify include: inflammation of the scrotum, an absent or
undescended testicle, testicular torsion, abnormal blood vessels or a
lump or tumor.
A sudden onset of pain in the scrotum is very serious. The most
common cause of scrotal pain is epididymitis, an inflammation of the
epididymis. It is treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, this
condition can lead to an abscess or loss of blood to the testicles.
Ultrasound can detect an absent or undescended testicle as well. In
rare cases a testicle may fail to develop. More often, patients have an
undescended testicle. It is estimated that approximately three percent
of full-term baby boys have undescended testicles. It's important to
diagnose an undescended testicle because it has a very high probability
of developing cancer if left untreated.
Ultrasound can identify testicular torsion, the twisting of the
spermatic cord that contains the vessels that supply blood to the
scrotum. Caused by abnormally loose attachments of tissues that are
formed during fetal development, torsion commonly appears during
adolescence and is very painful. Torsion requires immediate surgery to
avoid permanent damage to the testes.
Ultrasound also can be used to locate and evaluate masses (lumps or
tumors) in the scrotum. The majority of scrotal masses are located
outside of the testes. Most masses found outside the testicles are
benign or non-cancerous; most inside the testicles are malignant or
cancerous. Collections of fluid and abnormalities of the blood vessels
may appear as masses and need to be assessed by ultrasound.
How should I prepare for the procedure? Back to Top
Besides wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing, there is no preparation for an ultrasound exam of the scrotum.
What does the equipment look like? Back to Top
The equipment
consists of a transducer and a monitoring system. The transducer, a
hand-held, wand-like device that resembles a microphone, is gently
guided over and around the scrotum and surrounding area.
The ultrasound image is immediately visible on a nearby screen that
looks much like a computer or television monitor. The radiologist or
sonographer watches this screen during the examination and captures
representative images for storage. Often, the patient is able to see
the screen as well.
How does the procedure work? Back to Top
Ultrasound imaging
is based on the same principles as the sonar used by bats, ships at sea
and anglers with fish detectors. As a controlled sound wave bounces
against objects, its echoing waves can be used to identify how far away
the object is, how large it is, its shape and its internal consistency
(fluid, solid or mixed).
The ultrasound transducer functions as both a loudspeaker (to
transmit sounds) and a microphone (to record the sounds). A small
amount of gel is applied to the scrotal area to enhance the sound
transmission. When the transducer is placed against the skin it directs
a stream of inaudible, high-frequency sound waves into the body. As the
sound waves echo back from the body's fluids and tissues, the sensitive
microphone in the transducer records the strength and character of the
reflected waves.
How is the procedure performed? Back to Top
The patient lies
on his back on an examination table. A gel is applied directly to the
scrotum. The radiologist or sonographer gently places a transducer on
the skin, moving it around to obtain different views of the scrotum and
testicles. The images appear in real-time on a monitor. The examination
usually takes less than 30 minutes.
When the examination is complete, the patient may be asked to dress
and wait while the ultrasound images are reviewed, either on film or on
a monitor. Often, the sonographer or radiologist is able to review the
ultrasound images in real time as they are acquired, and the patient
can be released immediately.
What will I experience during the procedure? Back to Top
There
is usually no pain during a scrotal ultrasound. If the scrotum is very
tender some discomfort may occur from the slight pressure of the
transducer.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them? Back to Top
A
radiologist, who is a physician experienced in ultrasound and other
radiology examinations, will analyze the images and send a signed
report with his or her interpretation your primary care physician.
Usually you will receive the ultrasound results from the physician who
ordered the test. In some cases, the radiologist may discuss
preliminary results with you at the conclusion of your examination. New
technology also allows for distribution of diagnostic reports and
referral images over the Internet at many facilities.
What are the benefits vs. risks? Back to Top
Benefits
- Ultrasound of the scrotum is the primary imaging method used to evaluate disorders of the testicles and surrounding areas.
- Ultrasound imaging is non-invasive (no needles or injections in most cases) and usually painless.
- Ultrasound is widely available.
- Ultrasound uses no ionizing radiation.
- Ultrasound can visualize structure, movement and function in the body's organs and blood vessels.
- Ultrasound provides real-time imaging, making it a good tool for guiding minimally-invasive procedures such as needle biopsies.
Risks
- For standard diagnostic ultrasound there are no known harmful effects on humans.
What are the limitations of Scrotal Ultrasound Imaging? Back to Top
Patients must lie very still to obtain clear and concise images. Back to Top |
