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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffYour doctor will do a physical exam. The exam may reveal an enlarged scrotum that isn't tender to the touch. Pressure to the abdomen or scrotum may enlarge or shrink the fluid-filled sac, which may indicate an associated inguinal hernia.
Because the fluid in a hydrocele usually is clear, your doctor may shine a light through the scrotum (transillumination). With a hydrocele, the light will outline the testicle, indicating that clear fluid surrounds it.
If your doctor suspects your hydrocele is caused by inflammation, blood and urine tests may help determine whether you have an infection, such as epididymitis.
The fluid surrounding the testicle may keep the testicle from being felt. In that case, you may need an ultrasound imaging test. This test, which uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of structures inside your body, can rule out a hernia, testicular tumor or other cause of scrotal swelling.
- Schneck FX, et al. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1445/130.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50129-1--cesec43_8090. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Zadikoff C. Hydrocele. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1701/282.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50011-2--cesec716_6058. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Hydrocele. National Guideline Clearinghouse. http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary.aspx?doc_id=12592. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Elder JS. Disorders and anomalies of the scrotal contents. In: Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th ed. Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155313268-8/877525068/1608/1246.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2450-7..50547-8--cesec20_9837. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Hydroceles and inguinal hernias. American Urological Association. http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=95&search=hydrocele&searchtype=and. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Brenner JS. Causes of painless scrotal swelling in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Ramsook C. Overview of inguinal hernia in children. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Sandlow JI, et al. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein AJ, et al., eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155486720-11/877862325/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec31_2562. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Shoemaker MD. Infectious diseases. In: Rakel RE. Textbook of Family Medicine. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/155486720-12/877868200/1481/233.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2467-5..50024-5--cesec84_956. Accessed Sept. 1, 2009.
- Nippoldt TB (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 9, 2009.
