Spermatocele

Spermatocele is a retentioncystof a tubuleof the rete testisor the head of the epididymisdistended with a milky fluid that contains spermatozoa. Spermatocele are the most common cysticcondition encountered within the scrotum. They vary in size from several millimetersto many centimeters. Spermatocele are generally not painful. However, some men may experience discomfort from larger spermatoceles.

Epidemiology

1. Spermatoceles can originate as diverticulumfrom the tubulesfound in the head of the epididymis. Spermformation gradually causes the diverticulumto increase in size, causing a spermatocele.
2. They are also believed to result from epididymitisor physical trauma. Scarring, of any part of the epididymis, can cause it to become obstructed and may form a spermatocele.

Diagnosis

Spermatoceles can be discovered as incidental scrotal masses found on physical examination by a physician. They may also be discovered by self-inspection of the scrotumand testicles.

Finding a painless, cysticmass at the head of the epididymis, that transilluminatesand can be clearly differentiated from the testicle, is generally sufficient. If uncertainty exists, ultrasonographyof the scrotumcan confirm if it is spermatocele.

Consult a urologist.

Treatment

Small cystsare best left alone, as are larger cyststhat are asymptomatic. Only when the cystsare causing discomfort and are enlarging in size, or the patient wants the spermatocele removed, should a spermatocelectomybe considered. Pain may persist even after removal.

Spermatocelectomycan be performed on an outpatient basis, with the use of local or general anesthesia.

Note: A spermatocelectomywill not improve fertility.

See also

Related Terms

1. diverticulum
2. epididymitis
3. hydrocele
4. orchitis
5. rete tubular ectasia
6. testicular torsion
7. tumor
8. varicocele

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spermatocele Wikipedia article Spermatocele.