AST Surgical Technologist Practice Exam

Which condition involves an abnormal collection of fluid around the testicle?

1. Hydrocele

2. Varicocele

3. Testicular cancer

4. Epididymitis

The correct answer is: Hydrocele

The condition characterized by an abnormal collection of fluid around the testicle is known as a hydrocele. This condition occurs when fluid accumulates in the tunica vaginalis, the protective sac surrounding the testicle. It can present as a swollen area in the scrotum that may change in size throughout the day, commonly being larger in the daytime and smaller at night as the body shifts its position. Hydroceles are usually painless and may occur in newborns due to the failure of the processus vaginalis to close, or they can develop in adults as a result of injury, inflammation, or other underlying conditions. The diagnosis is often confirmed through physical examination and sometimes an ultrasound, which can distinguish a hydrocele from other conditions that might affect the scrotum. In contrast, conditions like varicocele involve an abnormal enlargement of veins within the scrotum, testicular cancer would involve a mass or lump in the testicle itself, and epididymitis typically presents with swelling and pain due to inflammation of the epididymis, which can also be associated with infection. Each of these conditions has different underlying mechanisms and clinical features, making them distinctly different from a hydrocele.