Epididymal cyst

Epididymal cyst is a harmless sac in the testicles filled with fluid.^[2] The most frequent clinical presentation occurs when a routine physical examination yields an unexpected finding, which is then confirmed by scrotal ultrasonography.^[1] Although the exact cause of epididymal cysts is unknown, it is likely a congenital anomaly associated with hormonal imbalances during the embryonic stage of development.^[3]

Epididymal cyst
Epidydymal cyst (benign tumor)
Specialty	Urology
Symptoms	Scrotal mass and pain.[1]
Diagnostic method	Ultrasound.[2]

Signs and symptoms

An epididymal cyst, a benign cystic fluid collection in the scrotum, usually manifests as a painless swelling on top of the testicle and can be inadvertently discovered during a physical examination.^[2] The most typical clinical findings are a scrotal mass and pain.^[1]

Causes

The exact cause of an epididymal cyst is unknown, but it is most likely a congenital anomaly associated with hormonal imbalances during embryonic life.^[3] Previous research has shown a correlation between the development of epididymal cysts and maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances like diethylstilbestrol during male fetal development.^[4][5] It has been determined that the causes of epididymal cysts in children are vasal or epididymal obstruction and environmental endocrine disruptors.^[6][7] There has also been a suggestion that the testicular dysgenesis syndrome may include an epididymal cyst.^[8]

Diagnosis

An ultrasound is used to confirm 20–30% of epididymal cysts that are found during a physical examination.^[2]

Treatment

An epididymal cyst usually resolves on its own over time and doesn't need to be surgically removed.^[2] Nonetheless, patients who experience excruciating scrotal pain or whose cyst size does not appear to be involuted are advised to have their epididymal cysts surgically removed.^[3]

See also

• Spermatocele
• Epididymitis