Hydrocele

What is a hydrocele?

A hydrocele is an abnormal collection of fluid in the scrotum.

Each testicle is surrounded by a double-layered membrane. A small amount of fluid is normally present between these layers, but sometimes - and often for no apparent reason - excess fluid collects here. Although men of any age can develop a hydrocele, it's more common in young babies and older men.

Symptoms

The first sign of a hydrocele is swelling in the scrotum. This may be accompanied by a dragging or heavy sensation, but it's usually not painful.

If you can shine a light through the swelling by placing a torch against the affected area, it means excess fluid is present (solid lumps causing a scrotal swelling will block the light). (Doctors may recommend an ultrasound scan when a scrotal swelling is present, and this can confirm the diagnosis of a collection of fluid as well as excluding any serious underlying problems.)

If light doesn’t shine through the swelling, then it's more likely that a solid lump (which could be of a very serious nature - for example, a tumour) is responsible for the scrotal symptoms, and this would need urgent investigation.

Causes and risk factors

Problems that can cause fluid to collect in the scrotum include infection, inflammation or trauma to the testicle. Sometimes it develops as a result of testicular cancer, but this is rare. Often no obvious cause can be found.

Treatment and recovery

The treatment of a hydrocele depends on its cause. If it's the result of an infection, for example, antibiotics will be needed. If it becomes large or uncomfortable, the fluid can be removed with a minor operation.

Often, however, the hydrocele will disappear of its own accord.