Before we dwell into details about the treatment process of epididymal cysts, let us first know what is an epididymal cyst. And even before that, what is a cyst? A cyst is a small bulge that is filled with fluid and it can grow almost anywhere in the body.
The epididymis is the name given to little tubes which are present just above the testicles or testis. Now an epididymal cyst is a harmless cyst growing on a man’s testicle. Some men get only one while others may get on both testicles. It is pretty much common in men and normally does not need any treatment. Many men confuse these with testicular cancer, but a doctor can easily tell the difference between the two.
Men usually develop these around the age of 40. It can occur in children as well but that is rare and happens before they become teenagers.
Symptoms of epididymal cyst:
• Usually are entirely pain-free.
• A soft, lump or bulge at the top or bottom of the testicle.
• The lump can be differentiated from the testis. This is an important point to be kept in mind as this differentiates it from cancer.
What else can you confuse it with?
• Spermatocele: This again is a kind of cyst but is filled with sperm.
• Hydrocele: This is due to the collection of fluid in the scrotum.
• Varicocele: This is similar to the varicose veins of the small veins next to one or both the testicles.
• Lipoma: This is a fatty lump that can be felt separate from the testicle, and hence can cause difficulty.
• Inflammation: Some sicknesses can cause thickening of the epididymis and hence can be confused with a cyst.
Are any tests required?
Usually, epididymal cysts are typical and as stated earlier a doctor can clearly tell if you have one. Confirmation of the cyst can also be obtained through an ultrasound
Treatment for epididymal cyst
• If the cyst is not causing any problem, then you only need to keep a check on it if it is growing in size or causing you pain and let the doctor know at the right time.
• In case it is found in any child, then usually it does not need any treatment and disappears by itself.
• Large or pain-causing cysts can easily be removed by surgery.
Can an epididymal cyst cause any problems?
Usually, these cysts do not cause any problems. But rarely they might twist and can become painful and then requires surgery to remove them. Epididymal cyst rarely causes complications.
What may cause an epididymal cyst?
There are some rare conditions that can cause epididymal cysts:
Cystic Fibrosis: This is an inherited illness in which cysts develop in lungs and other parts of the body.
Polycystic kidney disease: This again is an inherited condition in which cyst develop in the kidney as well as other parts of the body.
For more information or any help please feel free to consult experts at Apollo Fertility.
