Scrotal ultrasound
Scrotal Ultrasound
A Scrotal Ultrasound (pronounced: skroh-tuhl uhl-truh-sound) is a safe and painless test that uses sound waves to make images of the scrotum (the pouch of skin at the base of the penis that contains the testicles).
Etymology
The term "Scrotal" is derived from the Latin word "Scrotum" which refers to a pouch. "Ultrasound" comes from the Greek words "ultra" meaning beyond, and "sound".
Procedure
During a Scrotal Ultrasound, a small handheld device called a transducer is used. The transducer sends out sound waves that bounce off the testicles and other structures in the scrotum. These sound waves are too high-pitched for humans to hear. But the waves echo as they hit organs inside the body, and these echoes are converted into an image on a computer screen.
Uses
A Scrotal Ultrasound can help to evaluate complaints such as scrotal pain or swelling and abnormalities found during a physical examination, such as a hernia, undescended testicle, or a mass in the scrotum. It can also be used to evaluate the cause of infertility or to find out whether there is an excess buildup of fluid around the testicles called hydrocele.
Related Terms
- Testicles: The two oval organs that produce sperm in males. They are located in the scrotum.
- Scrotum: The pouch of skin that contains the testicles.
- Transducer: A device that sends and receives ultrasound waves during an ultrasound examination.
- Hernia: A condition in which part of an organ is displaced and protrudes through the wall of the cavity containing it.
- Undescended Testicle: A testicle that hasn't moved into its proper position in the bag of skin hanging below the penis (scrotum) before birth.
- Hydrocele: A type of swelling in the scrotum that occurs when fluid collects in the thin sheath surrounding a testicle.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Scrotal ultrasound
- Wikipedia's article - Scrotal ultrasound
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