Hydrocele
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid in the membrane that covers the testis or testes.
A hydrocele may be present at birth or develop later in life. It is most common after age 40. Usually the cause is unknown. However, the condition occasionally results from a testicular disorder (for example, injury, epididymitis, or cancer).
Usually, a hydrocele does not cause symptoms; it is found as a painless swelling surrounding the testis. A doctor may shine a bright light on the swelling (transillumination) to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound examination of the testis is performed in unusual instances--for example, in a young man with no apparent cause for the hydrocele. The ultrasound may reveal an infection or tumor.
Most hydroceles need no treatment. However, surgical removal is sometimes performed for unusually large hydroceles.
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