Hydrocele Testis

Synonyms

Acquired hydrocele

Definition

Accumulation of serous fluid between the visceral and parietal layers of the tunica vaginalis (Goldblum et al. 2017).

Clinical Features

• Incidence

  Fairly common: Together with spermatocele, it affects about 1% of adult male individuals.

• Age and sex

  Males of any age. Congenital hydroceles result from persistent communication between the tunica vaginalis and the peritoneal cavity. This communication is naturally obliterated usually before the age of 2 years.

• Site and presentation

  Hydrocele presents as painless scrotal swelling and a feeling of heaviness.

• Treatment

  In most cases, it disappears on its own. If it does not, surgery may be required.

• Outcome

  This condition has a benign progress; however, patients need a follow up because hydrocele might recur. Most cases are related to infections and form over time; however, in case of rapid formation of Hydrocele, a neoplasia should be excluded.

Macroscopy

Inflated scrotum with serous fluid. In rare...