What Are Epididymal Cysts?
Epididymal cyst, also known as spermatocele, is 20 to 40 years old. The common site of epididymal cysts is the epididymal head, which rarely occurs on the body and tail. It originates from the epithelial cells of the testicular reticulum output tubules, with a diameter of several millimeters to several centimeters. It can be a single sac cavity or separate multiple cavities, which are more common in single hair. Sac fluid often contains sperm.
Basic Information
- nickname
- Semen cyst
- Visiting department
- Andrology
- Multiple groups
- 20 to 40 year old men
- Common locations
- Epididymal head
- Common causes
- The cause is unknown and may be related to sexual irritation, chronic infection of the testis and epididymis, or partial obstruction of the sperm duct
- Common symptoms
- Swollen scrotum
Etiology of epididymal cysts
- The cause is not fully understood, and may be related to sexual stimulation, chronic infection of the testicular epididymis, or partial obstruction of the spermatozoa. It may also be related to local injuries or sexually transmitted infections. Some people have suggested that the epididymis of the epididymal head flexes, turns, or forms diverticulum. Over time, sperm continue to accumulate, and the diverticulum tubules continue to grow, forming semen cysts. Semen cysts can also occur when the epididymis is blocked or scarred due to inflammation or trauma.
Clinical manifestations of epididymal cysts
- Many scrotum swells, generally without obvious symptoms, no special discomfort, the lesions develop slowly.
Epididymal cyst examination
- Percussion examination
- The epididymal head can touch a round or oval-shaped mass with a smooth surface, no tenderness, a sexy sac, and a clear boundary with surrounding tissues and no adhesion. A cystic mass can be touched on the epididymal head when touched, and the light transmission test is positive.
- 2.B-ultrasound
- Inflammation is a substantial mass.
Diagnosis of epididymal cyst
- Most of the cysts can be determined by percussion. Although hard, there are fluctuations.
- 1. Generally asymptomatic, sometimes with scrotal discomfort or feeling of falling.
- 2. The testicle or epididymis touches a round mass, which is soft and clear, with a sense of fluctuation, and does not shrink when squeezed.
- 3. Positive light transmission test. The cyst puncture was milky white and opaque. Microscopic examination revealed inactive sperm and fatty bodies. After being left at room temperature for a short time, sperm that were previously inactive in the liquid become motile.
- 4.B ultrasound can be found in the testis or epididymis, liquid dark areas.
Differential diagnosis of epididymal cyst
- Chronic epididymitis
- Generally the entire epididymis is enlarged or there are small nodules only in the tail, which is hard and sometimes touches the thickened vas deferens.
- 2. spermatic cord effusion
- It is a cystic mass in the scrotum, which is oval or spindle-shaped and located in the spermatic cord.
- 3.Yong syndrome
- The epididymal head is enlarged or cystic, with multiple localized epididymal heads 1 to 1.5 cm in diameter, no abnormalities in the tail and vas deferens, but the disease is caused by spermatozoa associated with chronic respiratory infection with progressive bilateral epididymal obstruction disease.
Epididymal cyst treatment
- Asymptomatic patients do not require treatment, and patients with severe symptoms or larger cysts who are married with children can undergo surgical removal.
- Surgery may damage the epididymal duct and thus affect fertility. Unmarried patients should be cautious.