EXAMINATION OF SCROTAL SWELLING

Anatomy of Scrotum and its Contents

1. Scrotum is a sac-like structure that contains and protects the testes.
2. It is a double-layered skin structure that consists of a superficial and a deep layer.
3. The superficial layer is made up of skin and the deep layer is made up of dartos muscle and tunica dartos.
4. The testes are located in the scrotum and are suspended by the spermatic cord.
5. The spermatic cord contains the vas deferens, testicular arteries, testicular veins, and nerves (genitofemoral nerve and sympathetic nerves).

Testes

1. The testes are two oval-shaped organs that produce sperm and male hormones.
2. They are located in the scrotum and are suspended by the spermatic cord.
3. Each testis is made up of a mass of seminiferous tubules, which produce sperm.
4. The testes are also responsible for the production of testosterone.

Epididymis

1. The epididymis is a long, coiled tube that stores sperm.
2. It is located at the back of each testis.
3. The epididymis is responsible for the maturation and storage of sperm.

Spermatic Cord

1. The spermatic cord is a structure that contains the vas deferens, testicular arteries, testicular veins, and nerves.
2. It connects the testes to the abdomen and provides a conduit for sperm and blood flow.

Causes of Scrotal Swelling

1. Hydrocele: a collection of fluid in the scrotum.
2. Varicocele: a swelling of the veins in the scrotum.
3. Epididymo-orchitis: inflammation of the epididymis and testis.
4. Testicular torsion: a twisting of the spermatic cord that cuts off blood supply to the testis.
5. Tumours: abnormal growths in the scrotum or testes.

Inspection of Scrotal Swelling

1. Visual inspection: the scrotum is inspected for any swelling, redness, or tenderness.
2. Palpation: the scrotum is palpated to determine the size, shape, and consistency of any swelling.
3. Transillumination test: a light is shone through the scrotum to determine if the swelling is fluid-filled.

Palpation of Scrotal Swelling

1. Palpation of the scrotum is used to determine the size, shape, and consistency of any swelling.
2. The scrotum is palpated with the fingers to check for any tenderness or lumps.
3. The testes are palpated to determine if they are normal in size and consistency.

Transillumination Test

1. A light is shone through the scrotum to determine if the swelling is fluid-filled.
2. If the swelling is fluid-filled, it will glow with the light.
3. If the swelling is solid, it will not glow with the light.

Differentiation of Scrotal Swellings

1. Hydrocele: a collection of fluid in the scrotum that is usually painless and transilluminates.
2. Varicocele: a swelling of the veins in the scrotum that is usually painless and non-transilluminates.
3. Epididymo-orchitis: inflammation of the epididymis and testis that is usually painful and non-transilluminates.
4. Testicular torsion: a twisting of the spermatic cord that is usually painful and non-transilluminates.
5. Tumours: abnormal growths in the scrotum or testes that are usually painful and non-transilluminates.

Role of Ultrasound and Doppler Studies

1. Ultrasound: used to visualize the scrotum and determine the cause of swelling.
2. Doppler studies: used to determine if there is any blood flow to the testis.
3. Ultrasound and Doppler studies are useful in diagnosing conditions such as testicular torsion and epididymo-orchitis.

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Medicines

1. Calcarea carbonica: used to treat conditions such as hydrocele and varicocele.
2. Lycopodium: used to treat conditions such as epididymo-orchitis and testicular torsion.
3. Phosphorus: used to treat conditions such as tumours and testicular torsion.