Why Have a Testicular Ultrasound

Testicular Ultrasound: Investigating Lumps & Pain Immediately

If you’ve noticed a lump on one of your testicles, don’t ignore it. An ultrasound for a testicular lump is like an MOT for your testicular health. It is a quick, safe, painless way to find out what’s going on and rule out serious conditions like testicular cancer.

Understanding ultrasound of the testicles

What is a testicular ultrasound and when is it recommended?

This refers to an ultrasound scan of the male reproductive system. Specifically, it refers to scanning of the testicles and surrounding groin tissues, including the sac containing the testicles (scrotum).

It uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the testicles and nearby tissues.

It can investigate the cause of testicular pain, inflammation, discomfort, swelling or lumps. These symptoms can be caused by a range of medical conditions. This includes infection, epididymal cysts, cancerous cells and testicular torsion.

Why immediate investigation of testicular lumps and pain is important

Most testicular lumps are caused by benign conditions (conditions that are not cancerous). This includes epididymal cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs on the top of the testicle, and varicoceles, which are swollen veins in the testicles.

However, some testicular lumps are caused by testicular cancer. Although the survival rates for most testicular cancers in the UK are very high, early diagnosis is essential to improve the success of treatment.

Having ultrasound imaging of your testicles as soon as you notice a lump, pain, or discomfort can help diagnose testicular cancer at an early stage. If your ultrasound reveals that cancer may be present, you’ll need other tests to confirm the diagnosis so you can start testicular cancer treatment promptly.

These tests may include blood tests for tumour markers (eg alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin and lactate dehydrogenase) and further imaging, such as a CT scan (CAT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging.

A biopsy is not used to confirm a testicular cancer diagnosis. This is because the biopsy procedure may spread the cancer.

After a testicular cancer diagnosis, your doctor will explain your treatment options. This may include surgery to remove the entire testicle, radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy.

Common reasons for ultrasound of the testicles

An ultrasound scan of the testicles is usually recommended to investigate suspected epididymal cysts, hydroceles, orchitis or epididymitis and varicoceles, and to rule out testicular cancer.

Differentiating epididymal cyst vs tumour

A tumour caused by testicular cancer is a solid mass, while an epididymal cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Both present as a testicular lump. Ultrasound is very effective at telling the difference between these conditions.

This is because ultrasound waves that are passed into the body bounce back whenever they encounter a boundary between tissues. These reflected sound waves are converted into grayscale images.

Ultrasound images, therefore, clearly distinguish between solid and fluid-filled structures.

Detecting varicoceles: symptoms and diagnosis with ultrasound

Varicoceles refer to swollen veins in the testicles and often cause no symptoms.

When symptoms occur, they can include a dull pain or discomfort in the testicles, a lump above the testicles, and the affected testicle appearing smaller than the healthy testicle.

Varicoceles can lead to fertility problems in up to 1 in 5 men with the condition by reducing sperm quality.

As ultrasound is effective at detecting the boundaries of tissue structures, it can detect swollen veins in the testicles.

Identifying testicular torsion signs and urgency for assessment

Testicular torsion is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical examination. It causes severe pain and swelling of the testicle due to the testicle rotating. This rotation cuts off blood supply to the testicle.

Other symptoms of testicular torsion include pain in your abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever and frequent urination. You may also notice that your affected testicle sits higher than usual or at an odd angle.

It is a medical emergency as the testicle can become severely damaged when its blood supply is cut off. Without urgent treatment, the affected testicle will need to be surgically removed.

Ultrasound is used to check the blood supply to the testicle and confirm the diagnosis of testicular torsion.

You are more likely to develop testicular torsion if you have had it before and/or if a family member has had it – it’s known to run in families.

Preparation and what to expect

How to prepare for a testicular ultrasound in the UK

You can eat, drink and take any medication as normal before your ultrasound scan.

On the day of your scan, you will be asked to complete a consent form and change into a hospital gown.

What happens during a scrotal scan: step-by-step overview

First, a clear gel will be carefully applied to your scrotum. This prevents air gaps between the handheld ultrasound probe and your body – air interferes with the passage of ultrasound waves.

The probe will be gently moved across your scrotum. Live images will be displayed on a computer screen. This is not painful, but you may feel some mild discomfort.

It usually takes 10-20 minutes to complete the scan, after which the gel will be wiped off.

After your ultrasound scan

You can return to your normal activities straight after your scan.

At Vista Health, we aim to send you a report with your results via email within 3 working days.

If abnormal tissue is detected, it will be highlighted in your report. Your report can also be sent to your NHS GP for follow-up.

Alternatively, you can book a private GP consultation with a Vista Health GP. They will explain what your results mean and any next steps, such as referral to a urologist for further tests and/or treatment.

Get your testicular health MOT

If you have testicular pain or a testicular lump, don’t wait to get the answers you need. Skip NHS waiting lists and book a private ultrasound scan of your testicles today.

With Vista Health, you can book your scan at any one of our nationwide clinics to get peace of mind at a time that works for you.