Hydrocele Diagnosis & Treatment
Hydrocele Treatment in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment for scrotal swelling caused by fluid around the testicle, including diagnosis, monitoring, hydrocelectomy, and treatment planning for children and adults.
A hydrocele is a distinct, usually painless swelling in the scrotum caused by a pooling of fluid within the tubes that surround the testicles. It is usually found in newborns and males under the age of five, commonly due to an opening between the abdomen and the scrotum that never properly closed during development. It may also occur in men 40 years of age or older in response to scrotal trauma, as a side effect of surgery for varicocele repair, or for no known reason.
Hydrocele diagnosis and treatment near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides hydrocele evaluation and treatment for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Types of Hydrocele
Compression of the scrotum indicates whether the hydrocele is noncommunicating, or cut off from the abdomen, or communicating where fluid flows to and from the abdomen.
Fluid in a noncommunicating hydrocele is usually absorbed by the body over time. Surgery is recommended when the hydrocele grows or has not resolved by the time the infant is 12-18 months old.
Fluid is cut off from the abdomen and may be absorbed by the body over time.
Fluid can flow to and from the abdomen, which may require careful evaluation and treatment planning.
Symptoms of Hydrocele
It is common for a hydrocele to not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, it may sometimes cause pain, redness or swelling of the scrotum, occurring in one or both sides. The degree of swelling can vary quite a bit, with large hydroceles causing pain and discomfort in adults.
Scrotal swelling should be medically evaluated, especially if it is painful, sudden, red, enlarging, or associated with testicular pain, fever, nausea, or other concerning symptoms.
Diagnosis of Hydrocele
A hydrocele can be diagnosed through a physical examination by a doctor which may also include these tests:
Shining a light behind each testicle will detect if there are any unusual solid masses that may accompany the hydrocele, such as cancer.
Ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis of a hydrocele or a cancerous mass within a hydrocele.
Treatment of Hydrocele
Hydroceles are usually harmless and will often resolve themselves without medical treatment. However, in cases where hydroceles become irritating or painful, they may be removed or treated with the following procedures:
A hydrocelectomy results in the tunica vaginalis being drained and removed from the body, while the remaining tissue is sutured to prevent accumulation of more fluid.
This process is used only when surgery is considered too risky for the patient. It is the simple process of inserting a needle into the tunica vaginalis and draining the fluid.
Less than one percent of hydroceles that have been surgically removed return, while hydroceles that have been aspirated often return.
Common questions about hydrocele.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help confirm the cause of scrotal swelling and discuss treatment options.
What is a hydrocele?
A hydrocele is a distinct, usually painless swelling in the scrotum caused by a pooling of fluid within the tubes that surround the testicles.
Who gets hydroceles?
Hydroceles are usually found in newborns and males under the age of five, but they may also occur in men 40 years of age or older after scrotal trauma, after surgery for varicocele repair, or for no known reason.
What are the types of hydrocele?
A hydrocele may be noncommunicating, meaning it is cut off from the abdomen, or communicating, meaning fluid flows to and from the abdomen.
What symptoms can a hydrocele cause?
A hydrocele may cause no noticeable symptoms. It may sometimes cause pain, redness, or swelling of the scrotum on one or both sides. Large hydroceles may cause pain and discomfort in adults.
How is a hydrocele diagnosed?
Diagnosis may include a physical examination, transillumination, and ultrasound. Ultrasound may help confirm the diagnosis or identify another cause of swelling.
How is a hydrocele treated?
Hydroceles are often harmless and may resolve without medical treatment. When a hydrocele becomes irritating or painful, treatment may include surgery such as hydrocelectomy or aspiration when surgery is considered too risky.
Where can I get hydrocele treatment near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides hydrocele diagnosis and treatment in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a hydrocele consultation in La Mesa.
If scrotal swelling, discomfort, redness, or pain is affecting your comfort or daily life, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate possible causes and discuss treatment options.