Varicocele

Scrotal swelling is the swelling of the veins within the scrotum. These veins are found along the cord that supports a man’s testicles (spermatic cord).

Causes
A varicocele forms when valves within the veins along the spermatic cord prevent blood from circulating properly. Blood pools, leading to swelling and dilation of the veins (similar to varicose veins in the legs).

Most of the time, varicoceles develop slowly. They are most common in men between 15 and 25 years of age and are most often seen on the left side of the scrotum.

The sudden appearance of a varicocele in an older man may be caused by a kidney tumor that can block blood flow to a vein.