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Transillumination is the shining of a light through a body cavity or organ.
How the test is performedThe room lights are dimmed or turned off so that the appropriate part of the body may be seen more easily. A bright light is then pointed at a location on the body, typically the head, scrotum, chest of a premature or newborn infant, or breast of an adult female.
Transillumination is also sometimes used to find blood vessels.
How to prepare for the testNo preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelThere is no discomfort associated with this test.
Why the test is performedThis test may be done along with other tests to diagnose:
- Hydrocephalusin newborns or infants
- Hydrocele in males
- Breast lesions or cysts in females
In newborns, a bright halogen light may be used to transilluminate the chest cavity if there are signs of a collapsed lung or air around the heart. (Transillumination through the chest is only possible on small newborns.)
Normal ValuesNormal findings depend on the area being evaluated, and the normal tissue of that region.
What abnormal results meanAreas filled with abnormal air or fluid will light up when they should not. For example, in a darkened room, the head of a newborn with possible hydrocephalus will light up when this procedure is done.
When done on the breast:
- Internal areas will be dark to black if there is a lesion and bleeding has occurred (because blood does not transilluminate).
- Benign tumors tend to appear red.
- Malignant tumors are brown to black.
There are no risks associated with this test.
Special considerationsIn general, transillumination is not a particularly good test for any of these above-mentioned disorders, and further tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesHaddad GG, Green TP. Diagnostic approach to respiratory disease. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 371.
Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 545.
Valea FA, Katz VL. Breast diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.
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∙ 13y ago
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∙ 12y agoTransillumination is the shining of a light through a body area or organ.
How the test is performedThe room lights are dimmed or turned off so that the appropriate part of the body may be seen more easily. A bright light is then pointed at a location on the body, typically the head, scrotum, chest of a premature or newborn infant, or breast of an adult female.
Transillumination is also sometimes used to find blood vessels.
How to prepare for the testNo preparation is necessary for this test.
How the test will feelThere is no discomfort associated with this test.
Why the test is performedThis test may be done along with other tests to diagnose:
- Hydrocephalusin newborns or infants
- Hydrocele in males
- Breast lesions or cysts in females
In newborns, a bright halogen light may be used to transilluminate the chest cavity if there are signs of a collapsed lung or air around the heart. (Transillumination through the chest is only possible on small newborns.)
Normal ValuesNormal findings depend on the area being evaluated, and the normal tissue of that region.
What abnormal results meanAreas filled with abnormal air or fluid will light up when they should not. For example, in a darkened room, the head of a newborn with possible hydrocephalus will light up when this procedure is done.
When done on the breast:
- Internal areas will be dark to black if there is a lesion and bleeding has occurred (because blood does not transilluminate).
- Benign tumors tend to appear red.
- Malignant tumors are brown to black.
There are no risks associated with this test.
Special considerationsIn general, transillumination is not a particularly good test for any of these above-mentioned disorders, and further tests, such as an x-ray or ultrasound, are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
ReferencesElder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 539.
Haddad GG, Green TP. Diagnostic approach to respiratory disease. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 366.
Valea FA, Katz VL. Breast diseases: Diagnosis and treatment of benign and malignant disease. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 15.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/21/2011
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., George F. Longstreth, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Kaiser Permanente Medical Care Program, San Diego, California.
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What has the author Diane L Adams written?
Diane L Adams has written: 'Reassessment of transillumination light scanning for the diagnosis of breast cancer' -- subject(s): Transillumination, Breast, Diagnosis, Cancer
In the human reproductive aspect what is transillumitnation used for?
Because the bones of the newborn are not yet finished in their development, transillumination is used upon birth to detect some conditions the baby may have, which you can check on Wikipedia, look up transillumination.
What is Transillumination?
A technique of checking for tooth decay by shining a light behind the patient's teeth. Decayed areas show up as spots or shadows.
What is a left hydrocele?
accumulation of fluid surrounding the testis making testes impalpable. Transillumination positive. related rarely to testicular tumour. treated by leaving it alone or aspiration.
What does A physician uses a to look at sinuses?
A physician uses transillumination to look at sinuses. He shines a light up the nose to see how far the light will go.
What are the results of sinus transillumination?
When the sinuses are full of air (under normal conditions), the light will project through the sinus, and will be visible on the roof of the mouth as a lit-up, reddened area. When the sinuses are full of mucus, the light will be stopped.
How are nasal bacterial infections diagnosed?
A procedure called "sinus transillumination" may, or may not, also be helpful. Using a flashlight pressed up against the skin of the cheek, the practitioner will look in the patient's open mouth.
Are clouds transparent or translucent?
Skin is semi transparent. Light can pass through the skin / epidermis reasonably well, but doesn't reflect in a clean way, meaning that the light scatters. It can then pass into the dermis layer, but tends not to be able to pass into the subcutanious layer. If you place a finger close to a strong light, you will will light shining through the skin (you won't see bones though!). See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transillumination
Signs and symptoms of hydrocele?
Symptoms of HydroceleMen who appear at a physician's office for the evaluation of a scrotal mass are frequently asymptomatic. It is not unusual to elicit an incidental history of scrotal or perineal trauma, which has prompted self-examination and discovery of the mass. The history of frequency, urgency, and dysuria associated with bacteriuria and of painful scrotal swelling suggests an inflammatory cause. There may also be pain in the groin or testicle. An accurate diagnosis can usually be made solely on the basis of physical findings. A complete examination of the scrotum - consisting of inspection, palpation, and transillumination - is made in every case.The presence of erythema and edema with loss of the normal scrotal rugae is suggestive of an inflammatory lesion (i.e., epididymitis or epididymo-orchitis.) In the presence of acute epididymitis, the epididymis is exquisitely tender to palpation and, in the absence of orchitis, easily separated from the normal testicle. Pain is aggravated by standing and should be relieved when the testicle is elevated (Prehn's sign).A smooth, cystic feeling mass completely surrounding the testicle and not involving the spermatic cord is characteristic of a hydrocele. A cystic, non-tender mass arising from the head of the epididymis and distinct from the testicle is characteristic of a spermatocele.
What are some words that end with the word nation?
Some words that end with the word nation: * abomination * adnation * agglutination * agnation * alienation * alternation * antidiscrimination * antimiscegenation * assassination * assignation * bombination * bromination * cachinnation * calcination * carbonation * carnation * catenation * chlorination * codetermination * cognation * combination * commination * conation * concatenation * condemnation * condonation * conglutination * consignation * consternation * contamination * coordination * coronation * crenation * crimination * culmination * cybernation * damnation * deamination * decaffeination * decarbonation * dechlorination * declination * decontamination * defibrination * dehydrochlorination * dehydrogenation * delamination * demyelination * denomination * deoxygenation * deracination * desalination * designation * destination * determination * detonation * discrimination * disinclination * disproportionation * dissemination * divination * domination * donation * elimination * emanation * emargination * enation * evagination * examination * explanation * exsanguination * extermination * fascination * fluorination * foreordination * fractionation * fulmination * gemination * germination * hallucination * halogenation * hemagglutination * hibernation * hydrogenation * hyphenation * illumination * imagination * impersonation * impregnation * incardination * incarnation * inclination * incoordination * incrimination * indetermination * indignation * indiscrimination * indoctrination * insemination * insubordination * intonation * invagination * iodination * lamination * lunation * machination * margination * marination * methanation * miscegenation * multination * nation * nomination * nondiscrimination * ordination * origination * oxygenation * ozonation * pagination * patination * pectination * peregrination * perennation * personation * phonation * planation * pollination * postpollination * postvaccination * predestination * predetermination * predomination * prenomination * preordination * pretermination * procrastination * profanation * pronation * protonation * ratiocination * recombination * recontamination * recrimination * redetermination * reexamination * reincarnation * rejuvenation * renomination * repristination * resignation * revaccination * ruination * rumination * stagnation * subordination * subornation * sulfonation * supernation * supination * tarnation * termination * transamination * transillumination * trepanation * trephination * urination * vaccination * vaticination * venation * vernation * zonation
Pneumothorax - infants?
DefinitionPneumothorax is the collection of air or gas in the space inside the chest around the lungs, which leads to a lung collapse.This article discusses pneumothorax in infants.For information about pneumothorax in older children and adults, see: PneumothoraxAlternative NamesAir leak syndromeCauses, incidence, and risk factorsA pneumothorax occurs when the tiny air sacs (alveoli) in a baby's lung burst, leaking air into the space between the lung and chest wall (pleural space).The most common cause of pneumothorax is respiratory distress syndrome, which occurs in babies who are born too early (premature).Because the baby's lungs lack a slippery substance (surfactant), the tiny air sacs are not able to expand as easily.If the baby is put on a breathing machine (mechanical ventilator), there is extra pressure on the baby's lungs, which can sometimes burst the air sacs.Meconium aspiration syndrome is another cause of pneumothorax in newborns. As the baby is being born, he or she may breathe in the first bowel movement, called meconium. This may cause breathing problems and the need for a breathing machine.Less commonly, an otherwise healthy baby can develop an air leak when he or she takes the first few breaths after birth. This occurs because of the pressure needed to expand the lungs for the first time.Pneumothorax is more common in boys than girls.SymptomsMany infants with pneumothorax do not have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include:Bluish skin color (cyanosis)Fast breathingFlaring of the nostrilsGrunting with breathingIrritabilityRestlessnessUse of other chest and abdominal muscles to aid breathing (retractions)Signs and testsThe nurses and doctors may have difficulty hearing breath sounds when listening to the infant's lungs with a stethoscope. The heart or lung sounds may seem as if they are coming from a different part of the chest than normal.Tests for pneumothorax include:Chest x-rayLight probe placed against the baby's chest, also known as "transillumination" (pockets of air will show up as lighter areas)TreatmentBabies without symptoms may not need treatment. The health care team will monitor your baby's breathing, heart rate, and color.If your baby is having symptoms, the doctor will place a needle or thin tube called a catheter into the baby's chest to remove the air that has leaked into the chest space.Treatment can last for a few days to a few weeks.Expectations (prognosis)Some air leaks will go away on their own within a few days without treatment. Infants who are treated by removing the air with a needle or catheter usually do well after treatment.ComplicationsAlthough babies on breathing machines are carefully watched, air leaks can occur.As air builds up in the chest, it can push the heart toward the other side of the chest. This puts pressure on both the lung that hasn't collapsed and the heart. This condition is called tension pneumothorax. It is a medical emergency.Calling your health care providerOften pneumothorax is discovered shortly after the baby is born. Call your health care provider if your infant has symptoms of pneumothorax.PreventionThe health care providers in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) should watch your infant carefully for signs of an air leak.ReferencesDudell GG, Stoll BJ. Respiratory tract disorders. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 101.Hermansen CL, Lorah KN. Respiratory distress in the newborn. Am Fam Physician, 2007;76:987-994.
Hydrocele?
DefinitionA hydrocele is a fluid-filled sack along the spermatic cord within the scrotum.Alternative NamesProcessus vaginalis; Patent processus vaginalisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsHydroceles are common in newborn infants.During normal development, the testicles descend down a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. Hydroceles result when this tube fails to close. Fluid drains from the abdomen through the open tube. The fluid builds up in the scrotum, where it becomes trapped. This causes the scrotum to become swollen.Hydroceles normally go away a few months after birth, but their appearance may worry new parents. Occasionally, a hydrocele may be associated with an inguinal hernia.Hydroceles may also be caused by inflammation or injury of the testicle or epididymis, or by fluid or blood blockage within the spermatic cord. This type of hydrocele is more common in older men.SymptomsThe main symptom is a painless, swollen testicle , which feels like a water balloon. A hydrocele may occur on one or both sides.Signs and testsDuring a physical exam, the doctor usually finds an swollen scrotum that is not tender. Often, the testicle cannot be felt because of the surrounding fluid. The size of the fluid-filled sack can sometimes be increased and decreased by pressure to the abdomen or the scrotum.If the size of the fluid collection varies, it is more likely to be associated with an inguinal hernia.Hydroceles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight (transillumination) through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocele, the scrotum will light up.An ultrasoundmay be done to confirm the diagnosis.TreatmentHydroceles are usually not dangerous, and they are usually only treated when they cause discomfort or embarrassment, or if they are large enough to threaten the testicle's blood supply.One option is to remove the fluid in the scrotum with a needle, a process called aspiration. However, surgery is generally preferred. Aspiration may be the best alternative for people who have certain surgical risks.Sclerosing (thickening or hardening) medications may be injected after aspiration to close off the opening. This helps prevent the future build up of fluid.Hydroceles associated with an inguinal hernia should be repaired surgically as quickly as possible. Hydroceles that do not go away on their own over a period of months should be evaluated for possible surgery. A surgical procedure, called a hydrocelectomy, is often performed to correct a hydrocele.Expectations (prognosis)Generally, a simple hydrocele goes away without surgery. If surgery is necessary, it is a simple procedure for a skilled surgeon, and usually has an excellent outcome.ComplicationsComplications may occur from hydrocele treatment.Risks related to hydrocele surgery may include:Blood clotsInfectionInjury to the scrotal tissue or structuresRisks related to aspiration and sclerosing may include:InfectionFibrosisMild-to-moderate pain in the scrotal areaReturn of the hydroceleCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of hydrocele (to rule out other causes of a testicle lump).Acute pain in the scrotum or testicles is a surgical emergency. If enlargement of the scrotum is associated with acute pain, seek medical attention immediately.ReferencesSandlow JI, Winfield HN, Goldstein M. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 34.Schneck FX, Bellinger MF. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 127.
