Hydrocele of the Tunica Vaginalis

A hydrocele is a buildup of fluid around the testicle, inside the membrane that covers it, causing the scrotum to look or feel more swollen than usual.

How it shows up: It usually appears as painless swelling in the scrotum that can vary in size; in infants it is relatively common and sometimes resolves on its own.

When to seek care? A checkup is worthwhile if the swelling persists, grows, or is accompanied by pain or redness, in order to rule out other causes.

Which specialist treats it? The urologist is the usual point of reference, and in children the pediatric surgeon gets involved. If you notice an increase in scrotal volume, a professional evaluation will clarify its cause.