HYDROCELE

DIAGNOSIS

To diagnose the problem a specialist will need to carry out a physical examination where they will check for tenderness in the enlarged scrotum. They will also check the abdomen and scrotum to check whether there is an inguinal hernia while shining a light through the scrotum will enable them to check that there is clear fluid surrounding the testicle. After a physical examination, a specialist might suggest blood and urine tests to rule out infection while an ultrasound will help to rule out a hernia, tumour or other causes of scrotal swelling.

SYMPTOMS

There are two: communicating hydrocele and non-communicating hydrocele.

• Communicating hydrocele: This is a type of hydrocele that has contact (communication) with the fluids of the abdominal cavity. A communicating hydrocele is caused by the failure of the processus vaginalis (the thin membrane that extends through the inguinal canal and extends into the scrotum). If this membrane remains open, there is a potential for both a hernia and a hydrocele to develop. The child’s scrotum will appear swollen or large and may change in size throughout the day.
• Non-communicating hydrocele: In this type, the inguinal canal did close, but there is still extra fluid around the testicle in the scrotum. This condition might be present at birth or might develop years later for no obvious reason. A non-communicating hydrocele usually remains the same size or has very slow growth.