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Scrotal swelling - Overview

Alternative Names

Swelling of the scrotum; Testicular enlargement

Definition of Scrotal swelling:

Scrotal swelling is abnormal enlargement of the scrotum, the sac surrounding the testicles.

Considerations:

Scrotal swelling can occur in males at any age. The swelling can be on one or both sides, and there may be pain. The testicles and penis may or may not be involved.

Testicular torsion is a serious emergency in which the testicle become twisted in the scrotum and loses its blood supply. If this twisting is not relieved quickly, the testicle may be lost permanently. This condition is extremely painful. Call 911 or see your health care provider immediately, because losing blood supply for just a few hours can cause tissue death and the loss of a testicle.

Common Causes:

Certain medical treatments
Congestive heart failure
Epididymitis
Hernia
Hydrocele
Injury
Orchitis
Surgery in the genital area
Testicular torsion
Varicocele

Male reproductive anatomy

Reviewed last on: 9/7/2008
Linda Vorvick, MD, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Louis S. Liou, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Urology, Department of Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the Testes and Scrotum and their Surgical Management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 127.

Elder JS. Disorders and Anomalies of the Scrotal Contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 545.

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