The male reproductive system - pathology and diseases - ch 15

Question 1

Name 24 pathological conditions and diseases?

Answer 1

1. anorchism
2. aspermatogenesis
3. aspermia
4. azoospermia
5. bacterial prostatitis
6. balanitis
7. benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
8. cryptorchidism
9. epididymitis
10. epispadias
11. erectile dysfunction
12. gynaecomastia
13. hydrocoele
14. hypospadias
15. orchitis
16. paraphimosis
17. penile cancer
18. phimosis
19. priapism
20. prostate cancer
21. spermatocele
22. testicular cancer
23. testicular torsion
24. varicocele

Question 2

Give the definition of anorchism?

Answer 2

Anorchism is a congenital absence of one or both testes

Question 3

Give the definition of aspermatogenesis?

Answer 3

Aspermatogenesis, is the failure to produce mature functional spermatozoa

Question 4

Give the definition of aspermia?

Answer 4

Also called aspermatisim, aspermia refers to the failure to produce or ejaculate semen

Question 5

Give the definition of azoospermia

Answer 5

Azoospermia refers to semen without a measureable number of living spermatozoa. It is linked to infertility.

Question 6

Give the definition of bacterial prostatitis?

Answer 6

an infection of the prostate gland caused by bacteria. If often occurs in conjunction with urethritis or an infection of the lower urinary tract. It is characterised by fever, chills, dysuria, urethral discharge and a tender prostate.

Question 7

Give the definition of blanitis?

Answer 7

an inflammation of the glans penis and foreskin often associated with poor hygiene in uncircumcised men. It results in a painful penis and foreskin and a foul-smelling urethral discharge. Chronic balanitis can result in phimosis

Question 8

Give the definition of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)

Answer 8

benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatomegaly. It is the enlargement of the prostate gland. It is common in males over 50 years of age. Because BPH can result in bladder neck obstruction, it can cuase urinary symptoms such as an irritable bladder, urgency and frequency of micturition, nocturia and urinary incontinence.

Question 9

Give the definition of cryptorchidism?, also called cryptorchism

Answer 9

a failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum before birth. It is more common in premature babies than in full-term infants. The undescended testicle will often descend spontaneously by 1 year of age. If not, surgical intervention such as an orchiopexy may be performed.

Question 10

Give the definition of epididymitis?

Answer 10

epididymitis is an inflammation of the epididymitis usually resulting from a bacterial infection such as chlamydia or gonorrhoea. It can also result from other urinary tract infections and prostatitis. In some cases, especially in children, epididymitis is due to a non-infectious source such as injury.

Question 11

Give the definition of epispadias?

Answer 11

a congenital absence of the upper wall of the urethra. The urethral meatus (opening) can be on the top or side of the penis rather than the tip. In severe cases, the urethra may be open along the entire length of the penis.

Question 12

Give the definition of the erectile dysfunction, also called a impotence.

Answer 12

the inability of the male to achieve or maintain a penile erection during sexual intercourse. It can be due to organic problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, such as a result of nerve damage, for example after prostate surgery, or as a side effect of various drugs. In some cases, erectile dysfunction is psychological in aetiology.

Question 13

Give the definition of gynaecomastia?

Answer 13

refers to an abnormal enlargement of glandular breast tissues in a male. It is usually due to a hormonal imbalance where the male has an increased amount of oestrogen in relation to levels of androgen and/or testosterone.

Question 14

Give the definition of hydrocoele?

Answer 14

a sac of fluid in the testis which can result in a swelling of the scrotum. It can be congenital, occuring in around 10% of male infants, or can develop in adulthood as a result of inflammation or scrotal injury.

Question 15

Give the definition of hypospadias?

Answer 15

a developmental anomaly where the urethral meatus opens on the underside of the penis. In more severe cases the opening is at the midshaft or base of the penis. Occasionally, the urethral opening is located in or behind the scrotum or on the perineum.

Question 16

Give the definition of orchitis?

Answer 16

an acute inflammation and swelling of one or both of the testicles resulting from infection or trauma. Common infections that result in orchitis are mumps, sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia, prostatitis and epididymitis.

Question 17

Give the definition of paraphimosis?

Answer 17

a strangulation of the glans penis due to retraction of a narrowed foreskin. It is not possible to bring the foreskin back to it’s normal position. Paraphimosis occurs as a result of direct trauma, infection or failure to return the foreskin to return the foreskin to its proper position after washing. It is considered an emergency requiring immediate treatment such as circumcision.

Question 18

Give the definition of penile cancer?

Answer 18

almost always occurs in males who are not circumcised. The histology is usually epidermoid or squamous carcinoma that develops from squamous cells. Penile cancer usually persents as a painless wart-like growth or ulcer typically near the end of the penis. It may be related to poor personal hygiene.

Question 19

Give the definition of phimosis?

Answer 19

the constriction or narrowing of the prepuce (foreskin) over the glans penis. As a result the foreskin cannot be retracted. It can be either on congenital or acquired. As with paraphimosis, phimosis occurs only in uncircumcised males.

Question 20

Give the definition of priapism?

Answer 20

refers to an uncontrolled and prolonged erection, without sexual desire, that can last from several hours to several days causing an enlarged and painful penis. Penile injections that are used to treat erectile dysfunction, some psychiatric medications, such as anti-depressants, and conditions such as leukaemia or other blood disorders can cause priapism. Priapism can scar the penis and lead to impotence if not treated urgently.

Question 21

Give the definition of prostate cancer?

Answer 21

Prostate cancer is one of the most common invasive cancers in men. Usually it is one of the slowest growing malignancies but can be aggressive in a small number of patients. It is frequently asymptomatic for a period of time with the first symptoms often related to bladder neck obstruction. Prostate cancer tends to metastasise in a predictable pattern - usually to the adjacent lymph nodes and bones in the spine and pelvis.

Question 22

What is the definition of spermatocele?

Answer 22

a benign cystic tumour that arises from the epididymis. It contains a milky fluid with spermatozoa. Spermatoceles range from a few millimetres to many centimetres in size. They can be found in the testicles, the ductus deferentes or in the scrotum.

Question 23

What is the definition of testicular cancer?

Answer 23

Testicular cancer is a malignant tumour of the testes. the main histological types include seminoma, choriocarcinoma and teratoma. It is the most common malignancy in young men. With early detection by testicular self-examination and treatment with combination chemotherapy, testicular cancer is curable.

Question 24

What is the definition of testicular torsion?

Answer 24

Rotation or twisting of the testies on the axis of the spermatic cord, cutting off the blood supply. This is an emergency which, if left untreated, can result in gangrene of the testis.

Question 25

Give the definition of varicocele?

Answer 25

a cluster of herniated, dilated veins in the scrotum occurring behind and above the testes. They are almost often seen on the left side of the scrotum. Varicoceles usually develop slowly and are more common in young men. Varicoceles are often the cause of male infertility.