differential diagnosis of groin mass - boggart

[ArchivalUser]

anyone know the differences between hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele and indirect inguinal hernia? What are the signs and symptoms of each? I'm getting confused :-s

[ArchivalUser]

A hydrocele is a collection of watery fluid around the testicle.

Varicocele is a mass of enlarged veins that develops in the spermatic cord, which leads from the testicles (testes ) up through a passageway in the lower abdominal wall (systeminguinal canal) to the circulatory system.

Spermatocele is a retention cyst of a tubule of the rete testis or the head of the epididymis distended with a milky fluid that contains spermatozoa.

The most common groin hernia, the indirect inguinal hernia protrudes through the inguinal ring and is ultimately the result of the failure of embryonic closure of the internal inguinal ring after the testicle passes through it

[ArchivalUser]

thanks lucky....how do they present?

One of the USMLE Qs was a mass that felt like a 'bag of worms', I wondered if the others had pathognomic symptoms?

[ArchivalUser]

How is Varicocele Diagonised?
Clinical Examination: The doctor examines the patient in the standing posture and feels the spermatic cord - the cord-like structure from which the testis hangs. Varicocele feels like a bunch of worms in a bag. On coughing, this feel gets transiently exaggerated.


Diagnosis Spermatoceles :
Spermatoceles can be discovered as incidental scrotal masses found on physical examination by a physician. They may also be discovered by self-inspection of the scrotum and testicles.

Finding a painless, cystic mass at the head of the epididymis, that transilluminates and can be clearly differentiated from the testicle, is generally sufficient. If uncertainty exists, ultrasonography of the scrotum can confirm if it is spermatocele

hydrocele:Usually the only indication of a hydrocele is a painless swelling of one or both testicles.

[ArchivalUser]

thanks again!