Differential Diagnosis for Lower Right Quadrant Pain Radiating to Testicles
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: The pain often starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right quadrant, and in some cases, can radiate to the testicles due to the shared nerve roots. This condition is a common cause of acute abdominal pain and requires prompt medical attention.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, a tube at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm, can cause pain in the testicles that may radiate from the lower abdomen.
- Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles, usually caused by bacterial or viral infections, can lead to pain that might be referred from the lower abdomen.
- Inguinal Hernia: A hernia in the groin area can cause pain that radiates to the testicles, especially if the hernia is large or becomes incarcerated.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency where the spermatic cord becomes twisted, cutting off the blood supply to the testicle. It presents with sudden, severe testicular pain that may radiate from the abdomen and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Kidney Stone: A stone in the ureter can cause severe pain (renal colic) that may radiate to the groin or testicles, depending on the stone's location.
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Although less common in younger individuals, an AAA can cause abdominal pain that may radiate to the groin or testicles due to the proximity of the aorta to these areas.
Rare Diagnoses
- Spermatic Cord Torsion: Similar to testicular torsion but involves the torsion of the spermatic cord without involving the testicle, leading to severe pain.
- Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP): A form of vasculitis that can cause abdominal pain, testicular pain, and a characteristic rash. It's more common in children but can occur in adults.
- Mumps Orchitis: A complication of mumps infection, leading to inflammation of the testicles, which can cause pain that might be perceived as radiating from the lower abdomen.