# Hydrocele of the Canal of Nuck in an Adult Woman: A Rare Cause of Inguinal Swelling

## TL;DR

A rare case of hydrocele in an adult woman highlights the importance of recognizing this condition to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatments.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on adult hydrocele of the canal of Nuck and emphasizes its diagnostic challenges.

## Key findings

- The patient's imaging and histopathology confirmed a benign hydrocele of the canal of Nuck.
- Surgical excision led to a successful recovery with no recurrence after six months.
- The case underscores the need for clinical awareness of this rare condition in adult women.

## Abstract

A hydrocele of the canal of Nuck is an uncommon condition resulting from incomplete closure of a developmental structure in females. While more frequent in children, it can also appear in adults, where its nonspecific presentation as an inguinal swelling may complicate diagnosis. We report the case of a 36-year-old woman who presented with a painless, gradually enlarging swelling in the right inguinal region. Physical examination revealed a soft, fluctuant, non-reducible swelling confined to the inguinal canal. Imaging studies, including ultrasound, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, demonstrated a well-circumscribed, fluid-filled lesion consistent with a hydrocele of the canal of Nuck. The patient underwent a successful surgical excision, and a histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of a benign cystic lesion. She had an uneventful recovery with no recurrence at the six-month follow-up. This case emphasizes the need for heightened clinical awareness of hydrocele of the canal of Nuck, particularly in adult women presenting with inguinal swelling. Timely diagnosis and management can ensure excellent patient outcomes while avoiding unnecessary interventions.