In addition to the testicular cyst, it is usually known as spermatocele or epididymal cyst. All of them are defined as a bag of liquid content located behind the testicle or specifically in the epididymis, whose cause of appearance is not yet determined; however, it is related to factors such as obstruction of the epididymis.
Most of the testicular cyst is painless, but symptoms may appear progressively, such as pain and discomfort in the area as it grows.
If you want to know more about this topic, we invite you to continue reading this article by FastlyHealabout cysts in the testicles: causes, symptoms, and treatment.
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Why do cysts appear in the testicles: causes
Testicular cyst, spermatocele, or epididymal cyst refers to a pocket of fluid content located behind the testicle, specifically at the head of the epididymis. It is one of the most frequent causes of cystic growth within the scrotal bag.
The epididymis is the organ in charge of collecting and transporting semen to the vas deferens; it is elongated and spiral-shaped, measures approximately 4 cm, and is located precisely in the upper and posterior part of the testicle.
Favorably, this extratesticular cystic growth is usually benign and is usually bilateral. Epididymal or testicular cysts typically occur when the collecting duct becomes obstructed; it is generally full of milky or spermatic content, that is, it contains sperm.
For testicular cysts to appear, factors such as:
- Inguinal hernia .
- Trauma to the scrotum.
- Testicular torsion.
- Epididymitis or inflammation of the epididymis due to bacterial and rarely viral infection.
- Tumor growths.
- Prenatal history of use of medications such as diethylstilbestrol.
- Use of drugs such as amiodarone.
The Spanish Journal of Pediatrics [1] states that the origin of these cysts is not currently known; they consider that they have a prenatal source, secondary to exposure to estrogens during pregnancy, and are presently increasingly frequent due to increased exposure to estrogens in the environment. It is also believed that they can be secondary to the ingestion of cannabis during pregnancy or due to epididymitis or scrotal trauma, which would obstruct the epididymis, triggering the formation of cysts.
Cysts in the testicles: symptoms
The finding of testicular cysts is usually fortuitous on the part of the patient since the conduct of self-examination does not always exist. However, for those who perceive it and go to the doctor, the specialist, after the physical evaluation and palpation of the testicles, can show the testicular mass, and their diagnosis will be based, in addition to the physical examination, on:
- The transillumination is performed by the GP to determine that there is a lump in the epididymis; the light, in this case, will pass through the cyst of liquid content.
- The testicular ultrasound is used to confirm the presumptive diagnosis of the doctor, whereby high-frequency waves can determine the presence of abnormal structures as these cysts easily differentiate from other growths.
At first, testicular cysts are asymptomatic as long as their size remains stable; if it tends to enlarge enough, annoying symptoms may appear, such as:
- Pain in the testicle where the cyst is located.
- Discomfort in the testicle.
- Swelling and heaviness in the testicle.
- Scrotum redness.
- Feeling of pressure
When to see the doctor for a testicular cyst?
One of the questions you may be asking yourself is, “when should you go to the doctor?” You should know that if you have immediately detected an abnormal growth, lump, or protrusion in the testicle, you must be evaluated by a specialist.
You should be examined as soon as possible if, in addition to the palpable mass in the scrotum, the cyst makes you feel uncomfortable, with intense pain or increases in size rapidly.
Cysts in the testicles: treatment
Once the diagnosis has been made, the health professional may indicate to wait a while until the cyst has disappeared. Otherwise, it does not happen; pharmacological treatment may be revealed to calm the inflammation and pain, such as analgesics and anti-inflammatories sold. free such as acetaminophen, paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It may also indicate scrotal support; this is usually effective in relieving pain.
Other possible treatments that depend directly on the course of this condition are:
- Spermatocelectomy is the surgical procedure indicated on an outpatient basis that allows the cyst to be removed; it is usually a quick intervention of approximately 20-30 minutes.
After this intervention, the doctor usually gives recommendations:
- The use of scrotal suspenders.
- Apply ice three times a day for 2-3 days to improve inflammation.
- Use of pain relievers to relieve pain.
- Medical evaluation after surgery.
The possible complications of this surgical procedure are that the cyst can reappear in the first place, and fertility can be affected due to damage to the duct that carries the semen, so it is usually postponed until the moment you decide not to have more children.
Other possible treatments for cysts in the testicles are:
- Sclerotherapy aspiration.
- Aspiration without sclerotherapy.
Both are rarely used and consist of extracting the fluid from the spermatocele using a special needle. Sclerotherapy is indicated if the spermatocele reappears; this is nothing more than an irritating substance introduced to promote healing and reduce the chances of the cyst reappearing.
Do not ignore any doubt when you show abnormal growth in your testicle and go to the doctor immediately; it is the most effective way to carry out the differential diagnosis and indicate the necessary treatment according to the case.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.