Hydrocele

A soft, painless swelling in the scrotum caused by the space around a testis filling with fluid. A hydrocele may be caused by inflammation, infection, or injury to the testis; occasionally, the cause is a tumour. More often, there is no apparent cause. Hydroceles commonly occur in middle-aged men, and treatment is rarely necessary. If the swelling is uncomfortable or painful, however, the fluid may be withdrawn through a needle. Recurrent swelling may be treated by surgery.