What is the cause of a red, swollen testicle with pain in a 10-year-old male (YOM - years old male)?

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Differential Diagnosis for Red Swollen Testicle with Pain in 10 YOM

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Epididymitis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the symptoms of a red, swollen, and painful testicle. Epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymis, often caused by bacterial infection, and is common in adolescent males.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Testicular torsion: Although less likely than epididymitis, testicular torsion is a possible diagnosis, especially if the pain is severe and sudden. It occurs when the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off blood supply to the testicle.
  • Orchitis: This is an inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by bacterial or viral infection. It can present with similar symptoms to epididymitis, including pain, swelling, and redness.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Testicular torsion: As mentioned earlier, testicular torsion is a medical emergency that requires prompt attention. If missed, it can lead to permanent damage or loss of the testicle.
  • Testicular cancer: Although rare in 10-year-old males, testicular cancer can present with a painless testicular mass. However, in some cases, it may cause pain and swelling, making it a "do not miss" diagnosis.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP): This is a rare condition that can cause testicular pain and swelling, along with other symptoms such as rash, joint pain, and abdominal pain.
  • Spermatic cord thrombosis: This is a rare condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in the spermatic cord, causing testicular pain and swelling.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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