Differential Diagnosis for Left Testicle, Kidney, and Lower Stomach Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Epididymitis or Orchitis: Inflammation of the epididymis or testis, often due to bacterial infection, which can cause severe pain and hardness in the testicle. The pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and kidney area due to shared nerve roots.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stone (Nephrolithiasis): A stone in the left kidney can cause severe pain (renal colic) that radiates to the lower abdomen and testicle. The pain is often described as crampy and can be associated with nausea and vomiting.
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can cause flank pain, abdominal pain, and systemic symptoms like fever. The pain can be severe and is often accompanied by urinary symptoms.
- Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It causes sudden, severe testicular pain and swelling, which can also radiate to the abdomen.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although more commonly associated with right lower quadrant pain, appendicitis can occasionally present with pain in the lower abdomen that might radiate to the testicle or be perceived as kidney pain, especially if the appendix is retrocecal.
- Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A life-threatening condition that can cause severe abdominal and back pain, which might be perceived as radiating to the testicle or kidney area.
- Ovarian Torsion (in females): Similar to testicular torsion, ovarian torsion is a gynecologic emergency that can cause severe lower abdominal pain.
Rare Diagnoses
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A form of vasculitis that can cause abdominal pain, testicular pain, and kidney involvement, although it is more commonly associated with purpura and joint pain.
- Testicular Cancer: Although testicular cancer is typically painless, some types can cause pain, especially if there is bleeding or torsion of the tumor.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain and, less commonly, pain that might be perceived as involving the testicles or kidneys due to the systemic nature of the disease.