What is the reason for enlarged testicles in children?

If you find that your child's testicles are swollen, parents must pay great attention to it, because it is very harmful and the condition is relatively complicated. It may be caused by bacterial infection or varicocele in the child's testicles. You must also closely observe whether there is a cyst, which may be a manifestation of a tumor. If you really don't know what's going on, it is necessary to see a doctor.

What causes enlarged testicles in children?

1. Testicular hydrocele. Hydrocele in infants and young children is mostly congenital. Since the lymphatic system of infants and young children develops late and the processus vaginalis is not closed, the fluid is retained and causes scrotal swelling. The difference in clinical symptoms is often related to the degree of scrotal swelling and the pressure of the fluid. Under normal circumstances, the pain of scrotal swelling on the affected side is often not obvious. When the weight and volume of the fluid reach a certain level, there will be a dull pain, pulling and other discomforts.

2. Congenital testicular hernia is a testicular vaginal sac formed due to the failure of the distal end of the processus vaginalis to close. The viscera in the abdominal cavity enter the scrotum along this channel, causing scrotal swelling. Clinically, the lump disappears when lying down, but appears when standing or coughing, causing increased intra-abdominal pressure, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as pain and discomfort. Clinical differentiation can be made if the testicles can be palpated in the scrotum or the transillumination test is negative.

3. Viral orchitis also often causes scrotal swelling. Most children have a history of mumps before the onset of the disease. One-side scrotal swelling and tenderness appear 1-3 weeks later, accompanied by redness and swelling of the scrotal skin, as well as systemic symptoms such as fever and chills. During examination, the right side of the scrotum is often found to be swollen. Some children with severe conditions may also have testicular atrophy.

4. Testicular appendage torsion is common in children aged 10-13 years old. The clinical manifestations are sudden swelling of one side of the scrotum after strenuous exercise, redness, swelling and tenderness of the skin, positive light transmission test, dark blue nodules visible on the scrotal skin, or painful nodules that can be touched. Severe children may also have hydrocele. However, in the early stages of the disease, scrotal pain is generally not obvious in children, and the pain only worsens during activities, so early diagnosis is difficult. Therefore, if a child suddenly feels scrotal swelling and pain after exercise, parents should pay attention to it and send the child to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment in time.