Final answer:
The best imaging study to confirm a testicular torsion in a 28-year-old male patient is an ultrasound. It is safe, non-invasive, and effective in providing detailed images without radiation. Ultrasound is also critical for diagnosing testicular cancer, which can be treated successfully with surgery and possibly chemotherapy or radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 28-year-old male patient presenting with severe testicular pain and an exam consistent with testicular torsion would be best confirmed with an ultrasound. This imaging study is non-invasive and provides clear images of the scrotum and testicles which can help to confirm the diagnosis of testicular torsion. Ultrasound is favored over other forms of imaging because it is readily available, cost-effective, and has no radiation, making it safe for use.
Testicular cancer, another condition that affects the testicles, is often first detected by the presence of a lump or swelling in the testis or by signs such as fluid in the scrotum or testicular pain. Ultrasound and blood tests are important for diagnosing testicular cancer, and subsequent treatment typically involves surgery to remove the affected testis, potentially followed by radiation therapy and/or chemotherapy. Removal of one testis allows for the preservation of normal male reproductive functions if the remaining testis is healthy.