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Hydrocele physical examination

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Steven C. Campbell, M.D., Ph.D.

Physical Examination

Physical Examination

  • During a physical exam, the scrotum is usually found to be swollen but not tender. Often, the testicle cannot be felt because of the surrounding fluid. The size of the fluid-filled sack can sometimes be increased and decreased by pressure to the abdomen or the scrotum.
  • If the size of the fluid collection varies, it is more likely to be associated with an inguinal hernia.
  • Hydroceles can be easily demonstrated by shining a flashlight (transillumination) through the enlarged portion of the scrotum. If the scrotum is full of clear fluid, as in a hydrocele, the scrotum will light up.
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References

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