Private Ultrasound Scan of the Testes

Including Testicular and Epididymal Screening plus a General Ultrasound Scan of the Scrotum. £150.00

Ultrasound is the primary imaging method used to evaluate disorders of the testicles and surrounding tissues. These problems include an absent or undescended testicle, an inflammation problem, testicular torsion, a fluid collection, abnormal blood vessels, or a mass (lump or tumor).

Epididymitis

A sudden onset of pain in the testes is considered a serious problem as delay in diagnosis and treatment can lead to loss of function. Epididymitis is a common cause of pain and is an inflammation of the epididymis most often caused by bacterial infection, but may occur after injury, or arise from an unknown cause. Epididymitis is treatable with antibiotics but if left untreated, this condition can lead to abscess formation or loss of blood supply to the testicle.

Testicular Torsion

Testicular torsion is the twisting of the spermatic cord that contains the blood vessels which supply the testicles. Torsion can be complete, incomplete, or intermittent. Spontaneous detorsion, or untwisting arises most commonly during adolescence, and is acutely painful. Scrotal ultrasound is used to distinguish this condition from inflammatory problems, such as epididymitis. Testicular torsion is a surgical emergency; it should be operated on as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage to the testes.

Absent and Undescended Testicles

A scrotal sac with an absent testicle may be the result of a congenital anomaly but it is more often due to an undescended testicle. Approximately 3% of full-term baby boys have undescended testicles. It is important to distinguish between an undescended testicle and an absent testicle, as an undescended testicle has a very high probability of developing cancer.

Testicular Cancer

Ultrasound can be used to locate and evaluate masses in the scrotum. Primary cancer of the testicles is the most common malignancy in men between the ages of 15-35. Fluid collections and abnormalities of the blood vessels may appear on examination as masses and need evaluation by ultrasound. A hydrocele which is a common cause for painless swelling is a collection of fluid between two layers of tissue surrounding the testicle. An abnormal enlargement of the veins which drain the testicles is called a varicocele and is a common cause of male infertility.

Testicular cancer occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 men and is most common in young men between the ages of 16 and 40 but can occur in all age groups. Symptoms are usually a swelling or lump in or on the testicle which is often painless.

Most testicular lumps are not cancerous and simple cysts are fairly common but we would recommend regular self examination and if in doubt a consultation with your GP. Ladies, men are notorious for ignoring symptoms or simply not noticing them and most testicular abnormalities are noticed by wives or partners first, if you do, tell him and make him see his doctor!

This examination will screen the testes for any abnormality.(also includes a scan of the kidneys)

Half hour appointment: £150