Spermatocele (Epididymal Cyst)
Topic Overview
What is a spermatocele?
A spermatocele (epididymal
cyst) is a sperm-filled cyst in the long, tightly coiled tube that lies above
and behind each testicle (epididymis). It feels like a smooth,
firm lump in the scrotum on top of the testicle.
What causes spermatoceles?
Although the cause of a
spermatocele is often unknown, it may be caused by obstruction of the tubes
that carry sperm from the testicles (epididymal ducts).
What are the symptoms?
Often a spermatocele does
not cause symptoms. You may notice what looks or feels like an extra lump or
mass above the testicle on one side of your scrotum. Or you may notice a
general enlargement of your scrotum. Symptoms, when present, can include pain,
swelling, or redness of the scrotum or a feeling of pressure at the base of the
penis.
How is a spermatocele diagnosed?
A spermatocele is
usually diagnosed by examining the scrotum. As part of the exam, your doctor
will shine a light behind each testicle (transillumination) to check for solid
masses that may be caused by other problems, such as cancer of the testicle.
Spermatoceles are filled with fluid, so light will shine through them
(transillumination). Light will not pass through solid masses that may be
caused by other problems, such as cancer of the testicle. An
ultrasound may be used to confirm the diagnosis of a
spermatocele.
How is it treated?
Spermatoceles are not usually
dangerous and are treated only when they cause pain or embarrassment or when
they decrease the blood supply to the penis (rare). Treatment is not usually
needed if a spermatocele does not change in size or gets smaller as the body
reabsorbs the fluid.
If the spermatocele gets larger or causes
discomfort, a procedure to remove the spermatocele (spermatocelectomy) may be
needed.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| AUA Foundation: The Official Foundation of the American Urological
Association |
| 1000 Corporate Boulevard |
| Linthicum, MD 21090 |
| Phone: | 1-800-828-7866 |
| Phone: | (410) 689-3700 |
| Fax: | (410) 689-3998 |
| Email: | auafoundation@auafoundation.org |
| Web Address: | www.urologyhealth.org |
| |
UrologyHealth.org is a website written by urologists
for patients. Visitors can find specific topics by using the "search"
option. The website provides information about adult and
pediatric urologic topics, including kidney, bladder, and prostate conditions.
You can find a urologist, sign up for a free quarterly newsletter, or click on
the Urology A–Z page to find materials about urologic problems. |
|
| National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney
Diseases (NIDDK) |
| Building 31, Room 9A06 |
| 31 Center Drive, MSC 2560 |
| Bethesda, MD 20892-2560 |
| Phone: | (301) 496-3583 |
| Web Address: | www.niddk.nih.gov |
| |
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) provides information and conducts research on a wide
variety of diseases as well as issues such as weight control and
nutrition. |
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- Schneck FX, Bellinger MF (2007). Abnormalities of the
testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In AJ Wein, ed.,
Campbell-Walsh Urology, 9th ed., vol. 4, pp. 3761–3798.
Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Christopher G. Wood, MD, FACS - Urology, Oncology |
|---|
| Last Revised | January 13, 2011 |
|---|
Last Revised:
January 13, 2011
