Cyst of Scrotum
Cyst of Scrotum
A scrotal cyst is a fluid-filled lump, usually harmless, that can appear on or inside the scrotum. Common types include spermatocele (fluid and sperm), epididymal cyst (fluid), and sebaceous cyst (accumulation of sebum).
Types of Scrotal Cysts:
Spermatocele (Spermatic Cyst):
A fluid-filled sac near the top of the testicle, often containing sperm.
- Cause: May be due to a blockage in one of the tubes that transport sperm.
- Symptoms: Usually painless, but can cause discomfort if large.
- Treatment: Often doesn’t require treatment, but surgery may be recommended if it becomes large or painful.
Epididymal Cyst:
A cyst-like mass in the epididymis (the tube that collects and transports sperm) containing clearfluid.
- Cause: The cause is unclear, but it is thought to be related to a blockage in the epididymis.
- Symptoms: Usually painless, but can cause discomfort if large.
- Treatment: Often doesn’t require treatment, but surgery may be recommended if it becomes large or painful.
- Sebaceous Cyst:A lump in the skin of the scrotum caused by a blocked sebaceous gland, filled with a thick, cheese-like substance.
- Cause: Blockage of a sebaceous gland in the hair follicle.
- Symptoms: Usually painless, but can become painful if infected.
- Treatment: Often doesn’t require treatment, but surgery may be recommended if it becomes large, painful, or infected.
Hydrocele:
A fluid-filled sac around the testicle, often painless and benign. Common in newborns, but can
also occur in older children and adults
Cause:
Congenital: The tube that connects the abdomen to the scrotum doesn’t close properly
Injury: Trauma to the testicle or epididymis
Infection: Such as filariasis, tuberculosis of the epididymis, or syphilis
Other health problems: Such as testicular torsion, varicocele operation, or testicular tumor
- Symptoms: Swelling in the scrotum, sometimes accompanied by a feeling of heaviness, Usually painless, but can cause discomfort if large.
- Treatment: Often doesn’t require treatment, but surgery may be recommended if it becomes large or painful.
General Information:
- Scrotal cysts are relatively common and usually harmless.
- They are often painless and may not require treatment.
- In some cases, a healthcare professional may need to surgically remove the cyst.
- If you notice any unusual lumps or experience pain, you should speak with a healthcare professional.
- You can check for scrotal cysts during a testicular self-exam.
When to seek medical advice
- You experience scrotal swelling
- You have sudden or severe pain in your scrotum
- Symptoms become painful or the swelling doesn’t go away after 6 months in adults or 12 months in babies
