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A seminal cyst is a benign epididymal lesion that develops very often in young men. It is characterized by disturbances in the flow of sperm through the structures of the epididymis and arises due to blockage of the sperm outflow tract. A seminal cyst is usually diagnosed during an accidental examination of the scrotum.
Seminal cyst – the definition of the disease
A seminal cyst is a condition characterized by a lesion / reservoir in the epididymal region that is filled with a cloudy fluid consisting of sperm and epididymis. It develops ailments due to blockage of sperm outflow, which results in impaired flow of sperm through the epididymis.
The causes of the cyst are not fully known, but there are suspicions that it is the contraction of the walls of the nuclei of the sperm drainage ducts in the head that is the cause of the disease. Sperm blocked in the conductors causes them to enlarge and the formation of a semen-filled cyst. For many patients, a spermatic cyst does not require any treatment, and for others it is necessary to remove the fluid inside the cyst.
Factors that increase the risk of the disease:
- old age,
- injuries in the scrotum area,
- epididymitis,
- von Hippel-Lindau syndrome (increased predisposition to a tumor of the central nervous system and kidneys).
The causes of the formation of a seminal cyst
Seminal cyst (spermatocele) is a lesion within the epididymis caused by blockage of the sperm outflow path. So far, no specific cause for the development of the disease has been identified. One of the reasons is the contraction of the epididymal wall of the sperm-draining conductors in the head. Trauma to the area and inflammation are also taken into account.
These situations lead to blockage of sperm outflow. Its accumulation in the conductive cells of the epididymis results in their enlargement. The result is the development of a sperm-filled cavity called spermatocele or a seminal (seminal) cyst.
Also check why the testicles can hurt
What are the symptoms of a spermatocele?
A small cyst is usually asymptomatic. It is usually diagnosed during an accidental examination of the scrotum. You can then feel a thickening, a small lump above the testicle. Larger cysts can enlarge the entire scrotum. It happens that the area of the testicle is painful and swollen, and the skin of the scrotum is red. The patient also feels a feeling of heaviness in the testicle with the cyst.
Seminal cyst – diagnosis
The diagnosis of a seminal cyst is made on the basis of a medical examination and an ultrasound examination of the testicle. Additionally, a medical interview is carried out with the patient. When palpating the scrotum, the doctor shines a flashlight on the suspicious lesion. Since the cyst is filled with fluid, it allows light to pass through. This simple test makes it possible to differentiate a benign lesion from solid formations that may turn out to be neoplastic. Testicular ultrasound confirms the diagnosis or excludes it.
Occasionally, magnetic resonance imaging is also performed. Sometimes even the patient is able to identify some irregularities on his own.
Is a seminal cyst dangerous?
In young men, a seminal cyst is often disturbing, as is any lesion in the genital area. A seminal cyst is considered a benign lesion. It does not become malignant. However, when you notice disturbing changes in yourself, see a urologist or family doctor to rule out possible serious illnesses. There are times when a seminal cyst is confused with a cancerous tumor or varicose veins in the spermatic cord.
Treatment of the seminal cyst
Small seminal cysts less than 1 cm in diameter are not considered to require treatment. They can be spontaneously absorbed. However, they are subject to observation – for this purpose, control ultrasound examinations of the testicle are performed.
However, surgical removal may require a cyst that:
• is large or growing in size,
• causes pain and discomfort.
There are two options for surgery:
- removal of the seminal cyst by incision of the scrotum and deposition of the cyst from the vas deferens (the procedure is performed under anesthesia and takes about 40 minutes). The collected lesion is submitted for histopathological examination;
- withdrawing the fluid from the cyst and introducing inside that will stick the walls of the cyst together (sclerotherapy).
Surgery can damage the vas deferens or epididymis, resulting in infertility. Therefore, it should not be performed unless there are direct indications for its implementation. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, acetaminophen) are also helpful. Both methods have a risk of complications, and neither can guarantee that the seminal cyst will not come back.
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