Question
A 2.5-year-old boy has a swelling in the scrotum, which was discovered to be about 1CM1.5CM in size through an ultrasound examination. In the past two months, it has gradually increased in size to 1CM2.5CM, with no tenderness and no other systemic symptoms.
Answer
This hydrocele is typically unilateral, causing the affected side of the scrotum to swell, resembling a water sac-like enlargement. The fluid accumulation can be as small as the size of a pigeon egg, but if the condition persists, the fluid within the tunica vaginalis can increase to the size of a fist, potentially causing part or all of the penis to retract into the skin. Generally, the scrotum appears more swollen during daytime activities. If symptoms are significant, surgical treatment may be necessary.