Epididymal cyst: Difference between revisions

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'''Epididymal Cyst'''
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
An [[Epididymal cyst]] is a fluid-filled sac which grows at the top end of the [[testicle]]. It is a benign condition that does not affect sexual function or fertility. Epididymal cysts are also known as spermatoceles, as they often contain dead [[sperm cells]].
| name                    = Epididymal cyst
 
| image                  = [[File:Epididymal_cysts.jpg|250px]]
==Causes==
| caption                = Ultrasound image of an epididymal cyst
 
| field                  = [[Urology]]
The exact cause of epididymal cysts is unknown. However, they are thought to occur when the [[epididymis]], a tube located at the back of the testicles that stores and carries sperm, becomes blocked. This can lead to fluid and sperm build-up, resulting in a cyst.
| synonyms                = [[Spermatocele]]
 
| symptoms                = Painless scrotal mass
==Symptoms==
| complications          = Rarely, discomfort or pain
 
| onset                  = Typically in adults
Epididymal cysts are usually painless and often go unnoticed unless they become large enough to cause discomfort. Symptoms may include a lump in the testicle, discomfort in the affected testicle, or a feeling of heaviness in the [[scrotum]].
| duration                = Can be persistent
 
| causes                  = Blockage of [[epididymal duct]]
==Diagnosis==
| risks                  = Age, [[trauma]], [[infection]]
 
| diagnosis              = [[Ultrasound]]
Diagnosis of an epididymal cyst usually involves a physical examination, during which a healthcare provider may be able to feel the cyst. Further tests, such as an [[ultrasound]], may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as [[testicular cancer]].
| differential            = [[Hydrocele]], [[varicocele]], [[testicular cancer]]
 
| prevention              = None specific
==Treatment==
| treatment              = Observation, [[surgical removal]] if symptomatic
 
| medication              = None specific
Treatment for an epididymal cyst is usually only recommended if it is causing significant discomfort or distress. Options may include [[surgery]] to remove the cyst, or a procedure known as [[sclerotherapy]], in which a needle is used to drain the cyst and then fill it with a solution that causes the tissue to harden and shrink.
| prognosis              = Excellent, benign condition
 
| frequency              = Common
==See also==
}}
 
An '''epididymal cyst''' is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the [[epididymis]], which is a coiled tube located at the back of the [[testicle]] that stores and carries [[sperm]]. These cysts are generally benign and are often discovered incidentally during physical examinations or imaging studies.
* [[Testicular disease]]
== Anatomy and Physiology ==
* [[Scrotal masses]]
The [[epididymis]] is an essential part of the male reproductive system. It is a long, coiled tube that connects the [[efferent ducts]] from the rear of each testicle to its [[vas deferens]]. The primary function of the epididymis is to store and mature sperm cells produced by the [[testes]].
 
== Pathophysiology ==
[[Category:Urological conditions]]
Epididymal cysts are thought to arise from the obstruction of the efferent ducts within the epididymis, leading to the accumulation of fluid. These cysts are typically filled with a clear, serous fluid and are usually painless. They can vary in size and may be solitary or multiple.
[[Category:Men's health]]
== Clinical Presentation ==
{{Urology-stub}}
Most epididymal cysts are asymptomatic and are found incidentally. However, some patients may present with a palpable mass in the scrotum, which is usually smooth and non-tender. In rare cases, larger cysts may cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.
== Diagnosis ==
The diagnosis of an epididymal cyst is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. An [[ultrasound]] is the most common imaging modality used to confirm the presence of a cyst. On ultrasound, epididymal cysts appear as anechoic (dark) areas with well-defined borders.
== Treatment ==
In most cases, epididymal cysts do not require treatment unless they are causing symptoms. If intervention is necessary, options include:
* '''Observation''': Regular monitoring if the cyst is asymptomatic.
* '''Surgical excision''': Removal of the cyst if it is large or symptomatic.
* '''Aspiration''': Draining the fluid from the cyst, although this is less commonly performed due to the risk of recurrence.
== Prognosis ==
The prognosis for individuals with epididymal cysts is excellent, as these cysts are benign and do not affect fertility or increase the risk of [[testicular cancer]].
== See Also ==
* [[Epididymitis]]
* [[Spermatocele]]
* [[Testicular torsion]]
* [[Hydrocele]]
[[Category:Urology]]
[[Category:Reproductive system]]

Latest revision as of 01:48, 6 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Epididymal cyst
Synonyms Spermatocele
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Painless scrotal mass
Complications Rarely, discomfort or pain
Onset Typically in adults
Duration Can be persistent
Types N/A
Causes Blockage of epididymal duct
Risks Age, trauma, infection
Diagnosis Ultrasound
Differential diagnosis Hydrocele, varicocele, testicular cancer
Prevention None specific
Treatment Observation, surgical removal if symptomatic
Medication None specific
Prognosis Excellent, benign condition
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


An epididymal cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops in the epididymis, which is a coiled tube located at the back of the testicle that stores and carries sperm. These cysts are generally benign and are often discovered incidentally during physical examinations or imaging studies.

Anatomy and Physiology[edit]

The epididymis is an essential part of the male reproductive system. It is a long, coiled tube that connects the efferent ducts from the rear of each testicle to its vas deferens. The primary function of the epididymis is to store and mature sperm cells produced by the testes.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Epididymal cysts are thought to arise from the obstruction of the efferent ducts within the epididymis, leading to the accumulation of fluid. These cysts are typically filled with a clear, serous fluid and are usually painless. They can vary in size and may be solitary or multiple.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Most epididymal cysts are asymptomatic and are found incidentally. However, some patients may present with a palpable mass in the scrotum, which is usually smooth and non-tender. In rare cases, larger cysts may cause discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the scrotum.

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of an epididymal cyst is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging studies. An ultrasound is the most common imaging modality used to confirm the presence of a cyst. On ultrasound, epididymal cysts appear as anechoic (dark) areas with well-defined borders.

Treatment[edit]

In most cases, epididymal cysts do not require treatment unless they are causing symptoms. If intervention is necessary, options include:

  • Observation: Regular monitoring if the cyst is asymptomatic.
  • Surgical excision: Removal of the cyst if it is large or symptomatic.
  • Aspiration: Draining the fluid from the cyst, although this is less commonly performed due to the risk of recurrence.

Prognosis[edit]

The prognosis for individuals with epididymal cysts is excellent, as these cysts are benign and do not affect fertility or increase the risk of testicular cancer.

See Also[edit]

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