Hydrocele, also known as hydrocele, is a collection of fluid around the testicle. The fluid is located in the membranes surrounding the testicle and can cause one side of the scrotum to gradually become larger or feel heavier.
The condition is benign in most cases and rarely causes pain. Many people notice the change as a slow swelling in the scrotum. Hydrocele can occur at any age but is more common in infants and older men.
Symptoms of hydrocele
The most common sign is a slowly increasing swelling in the scrotum. The change often develops over time and can sometimes first be noticed as a feeling of heaviness in the testicular area.
Swelling on one or both sides of the scrotum.
A soft and usually painless enlargement of the scrotum.
Feeling of heaviness or pressure in the testicular area.
In some cases, mild discomfort or tension in the skin over the scrotum.
A hydrocele usually does not cause obvious pain. If the swelling suddenly becomes tender or painful, other conditions should be ruled out.
Causes of hydrocele
A hydrocele occurs when fluid collects in the membranes surrounding the testicle. In infants, this is often due to a channel between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum not being completely closed after birth.
In adults, hydrocele can develop for several different reasons.
Inflammation of the testicle or epididymis.
Infection in the testicular area.
Injury or blow to the scrotum.
In some cases, without a clear underlying cause.
In some cases, hydrocele occurs in connection with other changes in the scrotum, which means that a medical examination may be important.
Diagnosis and examination
If hydrocele is suspected, the investigation usually begins with a clinical examination in which the doctor feels the scrotum and testicles. The swelling of a hydrocele often feels soft and can be experienced as a fluid-filled structure around the testicle.
To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes of swelling, imaging is often used.
Clinical examination of the testicles and scrotum.
Ultrasound of the testicles to confirm that the swelling is caused by fluid.
Ultrasound can be used to see the fluid accumulation around the testicle and at the same time rule out other changes in the testicular area.
Treatment of hydrocele
Small hydroceles that do not cause any discomfort often do not require treatment. In many cases, it is sufficient to monitor the change over time.
If the swelling becomes larger or causes obvious discomfort, treatment may be necessary.
Observation when the condition does not cause symptoms.
Surgical treatment if the swelling is pronounced or bothersome.
In surgery, the fluid is removed and the membranes around the testicle are treated to reduce the risk of the fluid returning.
When should you seek medical attention?
A swelling in the scrotum should always be examined if it occurs suddenly or continues to increase in size. It is important to rule out other causes of the change.
New swelling in the scrotum.
Rapidly increasing size of the scrotum.
Pain in the testicular area.
A pronounced feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the scrotum.
A medical evaluation will help determine the cause of the swelling and determine whether treatment is needed.