Hydrocele Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Jun 20, 2023
  • Author: Ranjiv I Mathews, MD; Chief Editor: Edward David Kim, MD, FACS  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

The following non-painful causes of testicular swelling should be considered in the workup of a hydrocele:

  • Spermatocele
  • Varicocele
  • Hematocele
  • Inguinal hernia (bowel)
  • Testicular tumors

Painful swelling of the testis can be due to the following conditions:

  • Infected hydrocele
  • Epididymo-orchitis
  • Hematoma formation
  • Testicular torsion
  • Testicular trauma
  • Thrombosis of the pampiniform plexus