Self testing method for measuring scrotal swelling

Many young men in Qingguan are anxious and worried about developing cancer due to the discovery of scrotal swelling. In fact, there are many reasons for scrotal swelling. What are the diseases that cause scrotal swelling, and can one self examine and differentiate it? We know that there are tissues and organs such as testes, epididymis, and spermatic cord growing in the scrotum of the human body. When they become diseased, it can cause swelling of the scrotum. Since these tissues and organs originally grow in the scrotum, we call this type of lesion true scrotal swelling. And tissues that are not in the scrotum can fall or flow into the scrotum, causing scrotal swelling. Since these tissues do not originally exist in the scrotum, we call this type of lesion pseudo scrotal swelling.

True scrotal swelling occurs in the scrotum, mostly in the form of circular or elliptical masses, and is not related to the groin (thigh root); Pseudo scrotal masses are caused by the contents of the abdominal cavity entering the scrotum through the inguinal region, resulting in a pear shaped appearance. During self-examination, pinch the base of the scrotum tightly with the thumb and index finger. If there is only skin between the two fingers, it can be confirmed as true scrotal swelling. If the area between the two fingers is thick and there are other tissues besides the skin, it should be considered as pseudo scrotal swelling. Scrotal swelling can be divided into cystic or parenchymal lesions. The identification method is to roll thin paper into a cylindrical shape with the lower end tightly attached to the scrotum and observe from the upper end. If a bright red light is seen, it is called a positive light transmission test, indicating that the mass is liquid; If the light cannot penetrate the tumor and the machine is seen from the opposite side, it is called a negative light transmission test, indicating that the tumor is substantial. There are many lesions of true scrotal enlargement, such as inflammation of the epididymis and testicles. In addition to presenting as solid masses in the scrotum, there are also local symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which may be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as high fever. Epididymal tuberculosis presents as a small, hard mass in the epididymis. If the spermatic cord is also examined, sometimes bead like changes in the vas deferens can be felt. The semen scrotum presents as a glassy ball like mass next to the epididymis, with larger ones resembling an additional testicle in the epididymis, and smaller ones only having a bean like size, smooth surface, good mobility, soft texture to the touch, cystic sensation, and no obvious tenderness. It is often accidentally discovered by patients during bathing or changing clothes, and is a benign lesion. Testicular tumors are often malignant, with insidious onset and rapid growth. They are more common in adults aged 20-40 and often occur unilaterally. During the examination, it was found that the swollen substance was hard, heavy, without elasticity, and did not cause pain when touched. For this hard and heavy lump, we must not take it lightly and seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The most common type of pseudoscrotal mass is inguinal hernia, which actually comes from the intestinal tract or greater omentum in the abdominal cavity. As it originates from the abdominal cavity and enters the scrotum through the inguinal canal, it has a pear shaped appearance. Moreover, the mass can be returned to the abdominal cavity in a supine position, and when touching the root of the scrotum in a standing position, it can be clearly felt that there is thick tissue in the hand, making it easy to distinguish.Another disease called hydrocele is a relatively special condition that can manifest as both true swelling of the tunica vaginalis and pseudoscrotal swelling. We know that the scrotum is composed of several layers of tissue, two of which are called the tunica vaginalis. Usually, there is only a small amount of fluid left between the two layers of the sheath. But if inflammation, local damage, or congenital factors occur, it can lead to an increase in fluid between the two layers of the tunica vaginalis, causing scrotal swelling, which is medically called hydrocele. If fluid accumulation occurs around the testicles or in the vaginal canal segment of the spermatic cord, it presents as a true cystic mass in the scrotum; But there is another type of congenital hydrocele that often occurs in infants. Due to the communication between the hydrocele and the membrane cavity, the hydrocele inside the hydrocele can be returned to the abdominal cavity when lying flat, and then flow into the scrotum when standing, which is manifested as a pseudo scrotal mass. However, due to the positive results of both types of hydrocele translucency tests, which can cause blood red swelling under light exposure, both true and false scrotal swelling caused by hydrocele are easily distinguished from hernia or other substantial swelling in the scrotum.