Hydrocele (in the testicles)
A hydrocele is a fluid-filled sac surrounding a man�s testicle. Hydroceles are typically not painful or harmful, and usually do not require any treatment. However, if you experience sudden testicular or scrotal swelling, see your doctor immediately, since this could be the sign of a more serious condition.
Hydroceles are common in newborn infants, but they usually go away a few months after birth. This type of hydrocele (called a �congenital hydrocele�) emerges during fetal development. After the testes have taken shape during fetal development, they descend down a tube from the abdomen into the scrotum. If this tube fails to close once the testicles have descended, a hydrocele may develop as fluids drain from the abdomen into the scrotal sac�causing the scrotum to swell.
Hydroceles are found in only about 1% of the adult male population. Although hydroceles are sometimes found in younger men, they are more commonly found in older men (over the age of 40) This type of hydrocele is ususually caused by injury or infection of the testicle or epididymis, or by radiation therapy. These may be inflammation or injury of the testicle or epididymis, or a fluid or blood blockage within the spermatic cord.
To diagnose a hydrocele, the doctor will perform a physical exam. The doctor will ensure that the scrotal sac, while swollen, is not tender or painful to the touch. Because the swelling is caused by a fluid build-up, the doctor may shine a flashlight underneath the scrotum to make sure that it lights up�if it does not light up, the swelling may be caused by something other than fluid, which may be indicative of a tumor or other problem. The doctor may also perform an ultrasound exam to confirm that the swelling can in fact be diagnosed as a hydrocele.
Because hydroceles are not necessarily dangerous to a man�s health, they are only treated if a man experiences embarrassment or discomfort due to the size of his testicle/scrotum. In these cases, surgery (called a hydrocelectomy) is usually performed to drain the scrotal sac of fluid.
Added 11/25/2007