Epididymal cyst - Symptoms, causes and treatment – ​​Alodokter

An epididymal cyst is a small, fluid-filled lump that forms in the epididymal duct. This condition is also known as a spermatic cyst or spermatocele. Epididymal cysts are generally harmless, but they can enlarge and cause pain.

The epididymis is the channel where sperm is stored and distributed. This duct is shaped like a small tube located at the top of the testicle.

Causes of Epididymal Cyst

Epididymal cysts are thought to occur when the epididymal duct becomes blocked. As a result, the liquid inside can't get out.

It is not known what causes and factors that can increase a person's risk of experiencing this disease. However, it is known that epididymal cysts are more common in men aged 20–50 years.

Symptoms of Epididymal Cyst

Epididymal cysts usually do not cause any signs and symptoms. The size of the cyst also tends not to change. However, if the size of the cyst is large enough, signs and symptoms that can appear include:

  • Soft lumps on the top, bottom, or back of the testicles
  • Pain, swelling, and redness in the testicles (scrotum)
  • Pain in the groin, stomach, or lower back
  • The testicle (scrotum) feels heavy, full, and hardened
  • Swelling of the epididymis

When to go to the doctor

Check with a doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if the scrotum is swollen and painful.

An examination to the doctor still needs to be done if there is a lump in the testicle, even though it is not painful. This aims to rule out the possibility that the complaint is caused by a hernia or testicular cancer.

Epididymal cyst diagnosis

To diagnose an epididymal cyst, the doctor will ask about symptoms and perform a physical examination of the patient's testicles. Physical examination is done by irradiating the testicular area with light, also known as the transillumination technique.

If the patient has an epididymal cyst, the light will penetrate the testicle. However, if the light does not penetrate the testicles, it can be suspected that the patient has a tumor or testicular cancer. To be sure, the doctor will perform a scan with an ultrasound of the testicles.

Epididymal Cyst Treatment

Epididymal cysts generally get smaller over time and don't get bigger. In these conditions, epididymal cysts do not need to be treated, especially if the cyst is painless. However, if pain occurs, the doctor will prescribe pain relievers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.

Meanwhile, for epididymal cysts that enlarge and cause pain, the treatment can be done with the following medical procedures:

  • Aspiration, which is a procedure to remove fluid from the epididymal cyst using a needle that is injected directly into the cyst
  • Percutaneous sclerotherapy, i.e. administration of ethanol through a catheter to kill the cyst
  • Spermatocelectomy, namely surgery to separate the cyst from the epididymis

Complications of Epididymal Cyst

Epididymal cysts rarely cause complications. However, surgery spermatocelectomy risk of causing damage to the epididymis and vas deferens, namely the tube that transports sperm from the epididymis to the penis. These conditions can reduce the patient's fertility rate.

Epididymal Cyst Prevention

There is no known way to prevent epididymal cysts. However, you can do a self-examination of the scrotum periodically, to see if there are lumps in the scrotum.

Examination can be done by palpating all parts of the testicles one by one. You can use a mirror, to clearly see if there are abnormalities in the scrotum, including swelling. Have a checkup at least once every month and see a doctor immediately if there are changes or swelling.