What does hydrocele mean?
A hydrocele is a medical term for an abnormal collection of fluid in a body cavity, most often the sac surrounding a testicle. In its familiar scrotal form, it produces a soft, painless swelling and is not usually dangerous, although it can become uncomfortable or require treatment. The word comes from Greek roots meaning “water” and “swelling,” accurately describing the condition's basic nature. Doctors may distinguish among a hydrocele surrounding the testicle, one associated with the spermatic cord, and fluid collections in other cavities. Diagnosis may involve physical examination and ultrasound because a hernia can sometimes cause similar swelling. Treatment ranges from observation to aspiration or surgery, depending on the cause and severity. Although hydrocele is primarily a clinical term, it is occasionally used more broadly for any conspicuous fluid-filled swelling.
nounA hydrocele is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in a body cavity, especially the sac surrounding the testicle. The condition commonly causes painless swelling in the scrotum and may occur in adults or children.
- An accumulation of fluid in a body cavity, especially in the sac surrounding the testicle, producing a typically painless swelling.
"The physician explained that the patient's painless swelling was a hydrocele rather than a hernia."
"A hydrocele can cause noticeable swelling in the scrotum without causing severe pain."
"The surgeon discussed aspiration and surgical repair with the man whose hydrocele had persisted for several months."
The standard plural is hydroceles.
"Recurrent hydroceles may be treated by aspiration or surgery."
A hydrocele is literally a “water swelling”: its name comes from Greek words for water and swelling.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hydrocele come from?
The word was formed in New Latin from Greek hydrokēlē, a compound of hydro- (“water”) and kēlē (“swelling” or “tumor”). It entered English through medical usage in the 17th century. Its Greek water-root is shared with cognates such as hydrocephalus, hydrology, hydraulics, and hydrogen.
Related word forms
How hydrocele is actually used
This is a formal medical term. In common use, it usually refers to a fluid-filled swelling around a testicle, although the term can also be applied to fluid collections in other body cavities.
Easily confused with hydrocele
Hydrocele is a fluid-filled swelling, commonly in the scrotum, whereas hydrocephalus is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain.