Abstract:
This study was undertaken to develop knowledge of ultrasound characteristics of testicular
tumors, associate these characteristics with histopathologic tumor types, and lay a foundation for
study of ultrasound findings in benign versus malignant testicular lesions. Ultrasound is the
mainstay for imaging of the scrotum. Scrotal US is characterized by high sensitivity in the
detection of intrascrotal abnormalities and is a very good mode for differentiating testicular from
paratesticular lesions. This study was to determine whether the clinical history and sonographic
appearance of testiccular masses could aid in distinguishing benign and malignant disease. The
medical records and ultrasound images of 315 patients with testicular diseases were reviewed.
Epididymal masses 88 (27.9%), (inguinal hernias ) 14 (4.4%). simple cysts 18 (5.7%), tubular
ectasia9(2.8%),tunica- albuginea&vaginals5(1.6%),intratesticular varicocele11(3.5%).
Undescended testis occurred in 32 (10.1%),spermatocele 17 (5.4%),encysted hydrocele 11
(3.5%), testicular torsion12(3.8%), abscess 6 (1.9%), usually secondary to epidido-orchitis 14
(4.4%) , epididymitis 12(3.8%) , orchities 4(1.2%)
and hematoma15 (4.7%). Clinical
characteristics and ultrasound findings of patients with seminoma were compared to those of
patients with non-seminoma. 23 (7.3 %) patients had seminoma, non-seminoma 7 (2.2%).
Images
of
non-seminoma
were
more
often
heterogeneous
and
cystic.
Microlithiasis&calcification 12 (3.8%), and Lymphoma 5 (1.6%), testiccular masses (soild or
cystic) evaluated by scrotal sonography. Careful analysis of ultrasound images can permit an
educated assessment of testicular tumor. Histological features and tumor markers, HCG, AFP
and LDH levels of 35 testicular tumors were analyzed and correlated. Scrotal swelling was the
commonest clinical presentation. Tumor marker studies in testicular cancer help in diagnosing
iv
and planning the treatment of the tumors, however, the diagnosis of testicular cancer cannot be
made based on elevated tumor markers alone. The sonograms were reviewed for the
echogenicity and size of the lesions, presence of cystic areas or calcifications, and distribution
pattern of detectable blood flow on color or power Doppler imaging.
