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A hydrocele testis is an accumulation of clear fluid in the tunica vaginalis, the most internal of membranes containing a testicle.
A hydrocele usually occurs on one side, but sometimes a hydrocele forms over both testes. The accumulation can be a marker of physical trauma, infection or tumor, but the cause is not known in general. Through diagnostic ultrasound the accumulation of fluids can be diagnosed correctly. The accumulation should generally be removed surgically, as it may grow bigger otherwise, but should not be drained as a temporary solution as it only removes the effects not the process in the vaginalis per se.
Symptoms
A hydrocele feels like a small fluid filled balloon inside the scrotum. It is smooth, and is mainly in front of one of the testes. They vary greatly in size. Hydroceles are normally painless. Large hydroceles may cause discomfort because of their size. Symptoms of a hydrocele can easily be distinguished from testicular cancer, as a hydrocele is soft and fluidy, where a testicular cancer feels hard and rough.
Fertility
A hydrocele testis does not affect fertility.
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