differential diagnosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
The differential diagnosis of an inguinal hernia in a male is:
- hydrocoele of processus vaginalis
- hydrocoele of spermatic cord
- spermatocoele
- varicocoele
- undescended testis - inguinal hernia often occurs in association with this condition
- lipoma of spermatic cord or herniation of properitoneal fat into the cord through the inguinal ring
In females, consider:
- hydrocoele of canal of Nuck
For both sexes, consider also:
- femoral hernia - these may extend above the inguinal ligament after passing through the fossa ovalis femoris. But, if the examining finger is placed on the pubic tubercle, the neck of a sac of a femoral hernia lies lateral and below, whilst that of an inguinal lies above.
- lymphadenopathy or abscesses of the groin
- residual haematoma following trauma or spontaneous haemorrhage in patients taking anti-coagulants