Download A4Medicine Mobile App
Empower Your RCGP AKT Journey: Master the MCQs with Us! 🚀
An epididymal cyst is a sac-like formation within the epididymis filled with clear liquid.
| Feature | Description | 
|---|---|
| Nature | ♦ Benign, fluid-filled, thin-walled cysts. ♦ Spermatocele is similar but contains fluid and sperm cells. | 
| Location | ♦ Posterior to the testis, usually in the upper or lower pole of the epididymis. ♦ Spermatoceles form on the epididymis. | 
| Prevalence | About 30% of men have one or more epididymal cysts. | 
| Presentation | Persistent hemiscrotal swelling, usually painless. May give a dragging sensation depending on size. | 
| Symptoms | No systemic symptoms like weight loss or back pain. The cyst may be slightly tender. | 
| Differentiation | Hard to differentiate from spermatoceles by physical exam or ultrasound. | 
| Diagnosis | Clinical in most cases; ultrasonography if palpation of testis is impossible or complex mass palpated | 
| Differential Diagnosis | cystadenocarcinoma , sperm granuloma, hydrocele, inguinoscrotal hernia, and spermatocele. | 
| Treatment Necessity | Most do not require treatment. | 
| Treatment Methods | Aspiration is not recommended due to fluid re-accumulation. Surgery can be an option but may affect fertility. | 
| Post-Treatment Outcome | The testicle may feel bulkier than before after surgery. | 
| Significance | Epididymal cysts and spermatoceles do not interfere with reproduction and are not cancerous. | 
| Additional Notes | ♦ Epididymal cysts can be unilocular (single sac) or multilocular (multiple sacs). ♦ Spermatocele... | 
Try our Free Plan to get the full article.