What is the classic description of a testicular varicocele?

The classic description of a testicular varicocele is often referred to as a "bag of worms." This phrase pertains to the palpable findings when examining a varicocele, which is an enlargement of the veins within the scrotum (the pampiniform plexus). The enlarged veins can often feel like a mass of worms due to their twisted and dilated nature.

Varicoceles are typically found on the left side of the scrotum because of the anatomical arrangement of the left testicular vein draining into the left renal vein, which is longer than the right testicular vein that drains directly into the inferior vena cava. This positioning can lead to increased venous pressure on the left side, contributing to the varicocele formation.

The other descriptions such as "blueberry muffin," "scrotal mass," and "apple core" refer to different conditions or findings. For example, "blueberry muffin" is associated with extramedullary hematopoiesis seen in infections like congenital rubella syndrome. A "scrotal mass" is a more general term that can describe various pathologies in the scrotum, and "apple core" is a description used in colon cancer related to the appearance of constricted bowel