Scrotal palpation

Proper examination of the scrotum consists of inspection, palpation and, if indicated, transillumination. Inspection may reveal the hypoplastic appearance of an undescended testicle; enlargement caused by a testicular mass; the "bag of worms" signifying a varicocele; findings typical of torsion of the spermatic cord, or the "blue dot" sign, which indicates torsion of the appendix testis or appendix epididymis. During palpation, the testis must be differentiated from the epididymis.