What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Dystrophic Scrotal Calcinosis
• ISC (Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis)
• Scrotal Calcinosis

What is Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis (ISC) is a rare benign condition involving the scrotal skin of predominantly young adult men. It results in single or multiple hard (calcified) painless nodules on the skin of the scrotum. The scrotum is a bag-like structure of the male genitalia that holds the testicles
• The cause of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis is reportedly controversial. Some medical researchers believe that the cause is unknown; while, others have presented several proposals including calcification of cysts and skin inflammation, from a variety of factors as being causative
• The healthcare provider may order a tissue biopsy to diagnose Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis. The condition does not present any significant complications; most individuals typically seek treatment for cosmetic reasons
• The treatment of choice for Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis is surgical excision and removal of the nodules. The prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment (complete surgical removals); an incomplete or partial removal can lead to recurrence of the condition

Who gets Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis typically affects males in the 20-40 years’ age range (young adults); although a much wider age group including both young boys and older men are known to be affected (age range 9 to 85 years)
• There is no racial or ethnic preference noted, and the condition is seen worldwide in men

What are the Risk Factors for Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis are not well understood
• However, according to some experts, the presence of cysts on the scrotum and inflammation of the scrotal skin can all be risk factors for ISC

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis? (Etiology)

• Per several experts, the exact cause of development of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis (ISC) is not clearly known (idiopathic)
• Many others have placed forward the following theories explaining the origin of ISC, and these include:
  • Abnormal dystrophic calcification of preexisting structures such as epidermal cysts, eccrine epithelial cysts, and degenerated dartoic muscle. The calcification may occur after an episode of inflammation
  • Some believe that a degeneration and necrosis of the dartos muscle could be an initiating factor in the development of ISC
  • Others believe that an excess accumulation of discharge and debris material within an eccrine epithelial cyst may be the initiating factor
• Further research is being performed to better understand the causative factors of this rare condition

Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis is not an infectious condition and it does not spread from one individual to another.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis?

The signs and symptoms of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis include:

• Presence of yellowish, hard nodules on scrotal skin; these are usually painless
• They may vary in size from 1 mm to several cm. The larger lesions may appear pedunculated and present heaviness
• There may be many nodules (multiple Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis), or just a single nodule (solitary Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis) on the scrotum
• A vast majority of these nodules are asymptomatic; while sometimes, the skin over the nodules may itch

How is Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis may involve:

• Complete physical examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
• Ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans of the scrotum, if necessary
• Tissue biopsy: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. A tissue biopsy is typically the gold standard of diagnosis for Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis?

The possible complications of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis include:

• Stress and anxiety
• Cosmetic issues
• Rarely, secondary infection of the lesions may occur
• Following treatment, recurrence may occur from incomplete surgical removals

How is Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis Treated?

In majority of cases, a treatment of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis (ISC) is sought for cosmetic purposes.

• Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for ISC. Usually, a complete removal results in a cure
• Sometimes, the recurrence can be rapid, and hence, even the tiniest of nodules should be removed completely
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis.

What is the Prognosis of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis is generally excellent on surgical excision and removal of the nodules
• Even the smallest of the nodules should be completely excised; an incomplete removal may result in recurrence of the condition

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Idiopathic Scrotal Calcinosis:

• Cleaning the skin too hard with strong chemicals or soaps may aggravate the condition. Care must be taken avoid strong soaps and chemicals that could potentially worsen the condition
• There is no definitive proof that certain types of diet may influence its development