During a visit to the health care provider, a client complains of swelling in the scrotum. The health care worker suspects a hydrocele and performs an exam by shining a light through the scrotum. If the hydrocele is dense, the health care worker should:

Question

A) Continue to monitor the client every 6 months to see if there is a change in size.
B) Prescribe diuretics like Lasix to help remove excess fluid.
C) Order an ultrasound or biopsy to rule out testicular cancer.
D) Gently try to express the fluid out of the scrotal sac.

Answer 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Hydroceles are palpated as cystic masses that may attain massive proportions. If there is enough fluid, the mass may be mistaken for a solid tumor. Transillumination of the scrotum (i.e., shining a light through the scrotum to visualize its internal structures) or ultrasonography can help to determine whether the mass is solid or cystic and whether the testicle is normal. A dense hydrocele that does not illuminate should be differentiated from a testicular tumor. The fluid cannot be removed by diuretics or by trying to express the fluid out of the scrotum.