Diagnosis | Testicular abscess

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a testicular abscess comprises several steps. At the beginning, the symptoms perceived by the patient should be described in an extensive doctor-patient consultation (short: anamnesis). Affected patients usually describe the typical signs of inflammation during this conversation.

Following the doctor-patient conversation, a physical examination is carried out during which the scrotum is inspected and palpated. If an abscess is present, the scrotum appears swollen and reddened. In addition, the pain perceived by the patient can be increased by external pressure on the scrotum.

However, a deep-seated abscess on the testicle can often not be seen or palpated from the outside. For this reason, the diagnosis should be supplemented by an ultrasound examination. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a suitable tool for the diagnosis of a testicular abscess.

In addition, a blood test can be performed to diagnose abscesses. The blood count shows some values as clearly changed. Especially an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) and an increased concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) indicate the presence of an inflammatory process. Further examinations must clarify whether this inflammation is an abscess. – Reddening of the skin surface

  • Overheating of the testicles
  • Pain
  • External pressure sensitivity

All articles in this series:

  1. Testicular abscess
  2. Which doctor is responsible for treating an abscess on the testicles?
  3. Diagnosis