Hydrocele overview
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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.
Overview
A hydrocele denotes a pathological accumulation of serous fluid in a bodily cavity. A hydrocele testis is the accumulation of fluids around a testicle, and is fairly common. It may be treated surgically. It can occur in infants undergoing peritoneal dialysis. A hydrocele testis is due to fluid secreted from a remnant piece of peritoneum wrapped around the testis in the tunica vaginalis. It can also be as a result of cancer, trauma (such as a hernia), or orchitis. It can also be the result of a plugged inguinal lymphatic system caused by repeated chronic infection of Wucheria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, two mosquito-borne parasites of Africa and S.E. Asia, respectively. As such the condition would be a part of more diffuse sequelae commonly referred to as elephantiasis.
Epidemiology and Demographics
Most hydroceles are present at birth (congenital). Otherwise, the condition generally affects men older than 40.
Diagnosis
=History and Symptoms
The main symptom is a painless, swollen testicle , which feels like a water balloon. A hydrocele may occur on one or both sides.
Treatment
=Primary Prevention
There is no way to prevent varicoceles in adults or hydroceles in baby boys . Avoid injury to the scrotum to prevent hydrocele in adult males.