Epididymal cyst: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
[[File:Epididymal_cysts.jpg| | | name = Epididymal cyst | ||
| image = [[File:Epididymal_cysts.jpg|250px]] | |||
| caption = Ultrasound image of an epididymal cyst | |||
| field = [[Urology]] | |||
| synonyms = [[Spermatocele]] | |||
| symptoms = Painless scrotal mass | |||
| complications = Rarely, discomfort or pain | |||
| onset = Typically in adults | |||
| duration = Can be persistent | |||
| causes = Blockage of [[epididymal duct]] | |||
| risks = Age, [[trauma]], [[infection]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]] | |||
| differential = [[Hydrocele]], [[varicocele]], [[testicular cancer]] | |||
| prevention = None specific | |||
| treatment = Observation, [[surgical removal]] if symptomatic | |||
| medication = None specific | |||
| prognosis = Excellent, benign condition | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
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. | 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 == | == Anatomy and Physiology == | ||
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]]. | 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 == | == Pathophysiology == | ||
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. | 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 == | == Clinical Presentation == | ||
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. | 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 == | == 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. | 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 == | == Treatment == | ||
In most cases, epididymal cysts do not require treatment unless they are causing symptoms. If intervention is necessary, options include: | 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. | * '''Observation''': Regular monitoring if the cyst is asymptomatic. | ||
* '''Surgical excision''': Removal of the cyst if it is large or symptomatic. | * '''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. | * '''Aspiration''': Draining the fluid from the cyst, although this is less commonly performed due to the risk of recurrence. | ||
== Prognosis == | == 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]]. | 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]] | * [[Epididymitis]] | ||
* [[Spermatocele]] | * [[Spermatocele]] | ||
* [[Testicular torsion]] | * [[Testicular torsion]] | ||
* [[Hydrocele]] | * [[Hydrocele]] | ||
[[Category:Urology]] | [[Category:Urology]] | ||
[[Category:Reproductive system]] | [[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.
