Concerned about an enlarged testicle or testicular enlargement? This resource provides information on scrotal swelling, including potential causes, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment options. Learn about relevant healthcare procedures, clinical documentation best practices, and medical coding terms associated with an enlarged testicle for accurate and efficient medical record keeping. Find information to support appropriate healthcare decisions and improve patient care related to this condition.
Also known as
Disorders of male genital organs
Covers various male genital disorders, including testicular conditions.
Congenital malformations of male genital organs
Includes congenital conditions that may cause testicular enlargement.
Localized swelling, mass and lump, except of breast
May be used if the enlargement presents as a nonspecific swelling.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the enlargement due to hydrocele?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Testicle noticeably larger than normal. |
| Fluid collection around testicle. |
| Enlarged veins in scrotum. |
Coding requires specifying right, left, or bilateral testicular enlargement for accurate reimbursement.
Enlarged testicle is a symptom. Coding should include the underlying diagnosis (e.g., hydrocele, tumor).
Generalized 'swelling' lacks specificity. Documentation must detail the nature of the enlargement for proper coding.
Q: What is the differential diagnosis for painless unilateral testicular enlargement in an adult male, and how should I approach evaluation?
A: Painless unilateral testicular enlargement in adult males warrants a thorough evaluation to differentiate benign conditions from testicular cancer, the most concerning possibility. The differential includes hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele, epididymitis (though typically painful), testicular torsion (typically acutely painful), and rarely, lymphoma or metastatic disease. Initial evaluation should include a detailed medical history, physical examination focusing on testicular palpation, and scrotal ultrasound. Ultrasound characteristics can help distinguish between these conditions. For example, a hydrocele will appear as a fluid collection around the testicle, while a varicocele presents as dilated veins within the scrotum. If there is any suspicion of malignancy based on physical exam or ultrasound findings, serum tumor markers (AFP, beta-hCG, LDH) should be measured and prompt urological consultation for possible biopsy or surgical exploration is essential. Consider implementing a standardized diagnostic pathway for scrotal swelling in your practice to ensure consistent and timely evaluation. Explore how testicular ultrasound features can aid in distinguishing between benign and malignant causes of enlargement.
Q: How can I differentiate between a hydrocele, spermatocele, and varicocele during the physical exam of a patient presenting with testicular enlargement?
A: Differentiating between a hydrocele, spermatocele, and varicocele involves careful palpation and transillumination during the physical exam. A hydrocele typically presents as a smooth, non-tender, fluid-filled sac surrounding the testicle that transilluminates readily. A spermatocele is also usually non-tender, but it is located superior and posterior to the testicle and may feel like a separate, cystic mass. Spermatoceles often transilluminate, though less brightly than a hydrocele. A varicocele, described as a 'bag of worms,' is a collection of dilated veins in the pampiniform plexus and is best palpated with the patient standing. It may be associated with a dull ache or a feeling of heaviness. While transillumination is not helpful for diagnosing a varicocele, performing the Valsalva maneuver can accentuate the venous distension. While physical exam findings can suggest a diagnosis, scrotal ultrasound is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and exclude other pathologies. Learn more about the characteristic ultrasound findings associated with each of these conditions.
Patient presents with a chief complaint of enlarged testicle, also described as testicular enlargement or scrotal swelling. Onset of [duration of symptom] with [character of onset - gradual or sudden]. Associated symptoms include [list associated symptoms e.g., pain, tenderness, redness, fever, dysuria, nausea, vomiting, or none]. Physical examination reveals [describe findings e.g., unilateral or bilateral enlargement, palpable mass, tenderness to palpation, erythema, edema, or normal findings apart from enlargement]. Differential diagnosis includes hydrocele, varicocele, spermatocele, epididymitis, orchitis, testicular torsion, and testicular cancer. Further investigation with [list diagnostic tests e.g., scrotal ultrasound, urine analysis, blood work including tumor markers if indicated] is warranted to determine the underlying etiology. Patient education provided regarding possible causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. Plan of care includes [outline treatment plan e.g., pain management with analgesics, antibiotics if infection suspected, referral to urology for further evaluation and management, or close monitoring]. Patient advised to return for follow-up in [duration] to reassess symptoms and review results of diagnostic tests. ICD-10 code [appropriate ICD-10 code based on presenting symptoms and findings] considered pending diagnostic confirmation. Medical necessity for diagnostic testing and treatment plan documented and discussed with the patient.