Two causes of swelling of the scrotum include hydrocele and varicocele. A hydrocele is fluid build-up around the testicle(s), while a varicocele occurs when blood backs up in the main veins that drain the scrotum. Hydroceles occur in two forms, communicating and noncommunicating. Communicating hydroceles are associated with hernias and are usually seen in baby boys. Noncommunicating hydroceles are collections of fluid around the testicle and may occur at any age. Varicoceles are most common among teenagers and adult men.
Both conditions are usually painless. In infants, noncommunicating hydroceles often resolve in the first year of life and require no treatment. Communicating hydroceles do not tend to resolve and need correction. Varicoceles increase the risk of infertility and are generally treated if they occur in adolescents or infertile men. In any event, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis if you or your baby boy develops a swelling in the scrotum.
A communicating hydrocele occurs when the channel that connects the scrotum to the abdomen (which allows the testicles to descend in baby boys) does not close up properly. This allows fluid to “leak” into the scrotum. Noncommunicating hydroceles occur when fluid builds up within the tissues that surround the testicle. Hydroceles may also be caused by injury or infection in the scrotal area, or by a testicular tumor.
A varicocele occurs when the valve in the main vein of the scrotum doesn’t work properly, allowing blood to back up. Varicoceles are rarely caused by kidney tumors , or other tumors in the location of the kidney (retroperitoneum).
Many newborn boys will develop a hydrocele. Communicating hydroceles are more common in premature babies. They are also more common in children who are being treated for excess fluid in the brain (by draining the fluid into the abdomen), or who have an abdominal dialysis catheter.
Varicoceles typically develop in men between the ages of 15-25.
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to hydrocele or varicocele. These symptoms may be caused by other, sometimes serious, health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Hydroceles and varicoceles are usually easily palpable. Your doctor will want to be sure there is no evidence of a testicular mass (eg, cancer). Tests may include the following:
Treatment options include the following:
Surgical repair is recommended if the condition:
Sclerotherapy can also be used for adult (noncommunicating) hydroceles, in which the fluid is removed through a needle and replaced with a substance that causes scarring. This is generally less effective than surgery.
Treatment is not required for all varicoceles; however, it is generally recommended if a varicocele is felt to be the cause of infertility . Treatment options include:
If you are diagnosed with a varicocele or hydrocele, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Society for Reproductive Medicine
http://www.asrm.org
American Urological Association
http://www.auanet.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
AboutKidsHealth
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org
References:
Hydrocele. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=116012 . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Hydrocele. National Library of Medicine, Medline Encyclopedia website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000518.htm . Accessed August 16, 2005.
The Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Report on varicocele and infertility. American Society of Reproductive Medicine website. Birmingham, AL; 2001(1-5). Available at: http://www.asrm.org/Media/Practice/varicocele.pdf . Accessed August 15, 2005.
Varicocele. National Library of Medicine, Medline Encyclopedia website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/0001284.htm . Accessed August 16, 2005.
Varicocele. DynaMed website. Available at: http://dynamed102.ebscohost.com/Detail.aspx?id=115197 . Accessed January 13, 2008.
Wein A, ed. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders, Elsevier; 2007.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Adrienne Carmack, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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