Hydrocele

A hydrocele is a swelling in the

scrotum

that occurs when fluid collects in the layer surrounding the testicles. This typically occurs when the channel through which the testicles descend had not closed all the way, or if the channel reopens due to injury, allowing fluid to enter. Hydrocele is common in newborns and usually disappears without treatment by age 1. Older boys and adult men can develop a hydrocele due to inflammation or injury within the scrotum.