My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Men's Health

Email a Friend

Print Article

Men's Health

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Testicular Ultrasound

(continued)

How It Feels

The gel may feel cold when it is applied to your scrotum unless it is first warmed to body temperature. You will feel light pressure from the transducer as it passes over your scrotum. If the ultrasound test is being done to determine the extent of damage from a recent injury or to investigate testicular pain, the slight pressure of the transducer may be somewhat painful. You will not hear the sound waves.

If a biopsy is done during the ultrasound, you may experience slight discomfort when the sample is obtained.

Risks

There are no known risks associated with a testicular ultrasound test.

Results

A testicular ultrasound (sonogram) is a test that uses reflected sound waves to produce a picture of the testicles and scrotum.

**Testicular ultrasound**
Normal:	The testicles are normal in shape and size and are in the normal position.
	There is no evidence of a noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) lump in the testicles.
	There is no evidence of infection or inflammation of the testicles or epididymitis.
	There is no twisting of the spermatic cord, cutting off blood supply to the testicles (testicular torsion).
	There is no sign of fluid in the scrotum (hydrocele), blood in the scrotum (hematocele), fluid in the epididymis (spermatocele), or pus in the scrotum (pyocele).
Abnormal:	A lump is present in the testicle or there are signs of a recurrent testicular cancer.
	Signs of infection or inflammation of the testicles or epididymis is present.
	The spermatic cord is twisted, cutting off blood supply to the testicles (testicular torsion).
	None or only one testicle is present in the scrotal sac.
	Fluid (hydrocele), blood (hematocele), or pus (pyocele) is present in the scrotum or fluid is present in the epididymis (spermatocele). There is a hernia in the scrotum.

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Not being able to remain still during the test.
Having an open sore or wound in the area that needs to be viewed.

What To Think About

Testicular ultrasound is usually done to evaluate a mass or pain in the testicles for possible cancer. Young men with a testicular mass or pain should be evaluated immediately by a doctor. Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men.
With testicular ultrasound, your doctor can usually tell the difference between a fluid-filled cyst, a solid lump, or another type of mass.
- A fluid-filled mass that has a symmetrical shape and does not have particles floating in it is likely to be a cyst or a hydrocele.
- A mass that does not have fluid, one that has fluid with floating particles (atypical cyst), or one that is larger than expected needs further evaluation. Often a follow-up ultrasound is done in 6 to 8 weeks to allow time for the mass to go away on its own.
- If a solid lump or an atypical cyst is present and a testicular ultrasound cannot determine whether it is cancer, a biopsy may be recommended.

< Previous Page

1|2|3

Next Page >

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 31, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.