title: Nonpalpable intratesticular masses detected sonographically.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is controversy concerning the implications of impalpable testicular masses. We examine the sonographic findings and pathology of such tumors.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between 1985 and 1994, 3,019 scrotal ultrasound studies were performed for various indications and 15 impalpable masses were discovered.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Pathological study revealed 5 seminomas, 6 nonseminomas, 2 "burned-out" tumors, 1 lipoma and 1 granuloma.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Impalpable intratesticular masses are likely to be malignant. Any young man with retroperitoneal or visceral masses should undergo scrotal ultrasound. A testicular mass is likely to be the primary cancer but it may be regressed. Persistent scrotal pain may be a presentation of malignancy and should be evaluated with ultrasound.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: C V
authors.initials: CV
authors.lastname: Comiter
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Benson
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Capelouto
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kantoff
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shulman
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Richie
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Loughlin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013736:Testicular Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography