What is the difference between a hydrocele and a hernia?

Hydrocele mainly refers to the accumulation of fluid in the vaginal cavity, which leads to vaginal cysts. It can occur at any age. The most common hernia is inguinal hernia, which can be felt by touch. Both hernia and hydrocele can cause enlargement of the patient's scrotum. The differences between the two are as follows:

Hydrocele

The swelling is usually on one side, with the scrotum on the affected side enlarging and presenting a cystic swelling. The small one is only the size of a quail egg, but if the disease lasts for a long time, it may become as big as a fist due to the accumulation of a large amount of fluid in the tunica vaginalis, causing the penis to shrink into the skin. Usually, the scrotum will swell more obviously after daytime activities, and will gradually shrink after sleeping flat for a night.

Hernia

Whether hernia is congenital or acquired, it manifests as a hemispherical mass in the groin area when crying or standing upright. The small mass is as big as a ginkgo nut, and the large mass is as big as a duck egg. It can protrude into the scrotum, causing the scrotum to swell. However, when the crying stops or the person lies down, the mass in the scrotum returns to the abdominal cavity, so the scrotal swelling disappears and the person can sleep peacefully again. As the person ages, the mass will grow larger and larger.

Self-identification

Roll a piece of cardboard into a paper tube, cover the lump with the lower end of the paper tube, and then use a flashlight to illuminate the other side of the lump, and then observe through the upper end of the paper tube. If the lump appears bright red, it is hydrocele. If it is opaque, it is not hydrocele, and the most common is hernia.