A seminal cyst, or spermatocele, is a benign epididymal lesion that does not require treatment. On one condition - that it does not cause a man too much discomfort. However, if a seminal cyst is making your life difficult, it can be surgically removed.

Seminal cyst( The spermatic cyst ,spermacotele ) is a bag-like creature extending from the epididymis filled with semen. It arises as a result of blockage of the opening of the canal that drains sperm from the testicle into the epididymis and stretching of its wall. Why this happens is not fully known. The causes include, for example, scrotal injuries or past inflammation. To some extent, a man's age also contributes to an increased risk of developing a seminal cyst. It is more common in men between the ages of 40 and 60, but it also happens in younger and even adolescent boys. A cyst can also arise in patients with von Hippel-Lindau disease - it is a syndrome of increased predisposition to cancer.

Symptoms of epididymal cyst

The lesion in the epididymis is detected simply by touch, sometimes by a doctor during periodic medical check-ups, but usually by the man himself during self-examination. Above the testicle - remember that the left one is usually slightly lower than the right one - there is a smaller or larger lump (from a few millimeters to several centimeters), quite hard, with a lumpy structure that seems to be separated from the testicle itself. If it is very small, e.g. 1 cm, it may not give any additional symptoms. Larger cysts sometimes cause a lot of discomfort and even pain. The testicle with the cyst appears heavier, the scrotum becomes enlarged, swollen and sometimes painful, and the skin is red.

Is the seminal cyst harmful to your he alth?

Especially in younger men, spermatocele can cause anxiety. Any changes in the genital organs spend sleepless eyes, because they belong to the so-called embarrassing topics. Going to a doctor to show a genital lesion is different from showing a bad leg or throat. However, only a specialist can make a diagnosis in this case. You need to see a urologist or family doctor, among other things, to rule out serious diseases.A seminal cyst can be confused, for example, with varicose veins or even a neoplastic tumor.

What does the urological examination look like?

The examination is usually performed by a urologist. First, the doctor conducts a detailed interview with the patient, and then proceeds to inspect the scrotum. Expect to palpate (with your fingers) and use a flashlight. This is a simple and very good method that often allows you to immediately assess the nature of the change. The cyst is a fluid-filled "bag," so it lets a flashlight shine through. If not, it is a harder, solid body and further more detailed diagnostics must be implemented. Also, in the case of the slightest doubts, the doctor should order an ultrasound, which in most cases dispels them. Sometimes an MRI scan is also performed.

Spermatocele treatment

If the seminal cyst is small and does not cause any discomfort, it is not treated. However, she should be monitored and an ultrasound scan performed from time to time. When it is found that the lesion is growing in size, your doctor will consider removing it. Often, however, tiny cysts self-reabsorb and disappear without a trace. If, on the other hand, the spermatocele hurts or interferes with daily functioning, it can be removed during surgery. However, this should always be carefully considered, as there is a risk that the vas deferens or epididymis will be damaged during the operation, and this may affect a man's future fertility. If the cyst is not very troublesome and the patient plans to have children, it is better to avoid surgery.

The operation to remove the seminal cyst involves making an incision in the epididymal area through which the surgeon extracts the cyst and cuts it out. Then the tumor is submitted for histopathological examination. The incision is sutured with dissolving sutures. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and takes about 40 minutes. Usually, after a few hours of observation, the patient can leave the hospital. To reduce the swelling, it is recommended to rest, cool compresses and raise the scrotum. Post-operative discomfort may be felt for another 3 weeks after the procedure.

An alternative to surgical intervention is sclerotherapy, i.e. removing fluid from the cyst and injecting a substance into it, leading to its scarring. In the context of planned parenthood, this procedure, unfortunately, is also risky.

About the authorMarta Uler A journalist specializing in he alth, beauty and psychology. She is also a diet therapist by education. Her interests are medicine, herbal medicine, yoga, vegetarian cuisine and cats. I am a mum of twoboys - 10-year-old and 6-month-old.

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Male diseases