What it is?
A hydrocele is a collection of fluid around the testicle,
causing a swelling of the testicle. It shows as an enlarged
testicle.
Signs and symptoms
They are often painless but can cause some discomfort owing
to the size of the swelling in the scrotum.
What causes it ?
They are sometimes caused by an infection or a physical injury
to the scrotum (including surgery such as vasectomy or its
reversal), sometimes tumours, but often no obvious cause is ever
found. They can occur at any age but most commonly in men over 40
and in young children.
Treatment
No specific treatment is necessary unless there is an obvious
cause for it. Surgery is the usual treatment where a cut is made in
the fluid-filled sac around the testicle to allow drainage of the
fluid. The sac is stitched in a way that stops fluid accumulating
again.