Is a spermatocele a cyst?

A spermatocele (SPUR-muh-toe-seel) is an abnormal sac (cyst) that develops in the epididymis — the small, coiled tube located on the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm. Noncancerous and generally painless, a spermatocele usually is filled with milky or clear fluid that might contain sperm.

What is the difference between a spermatocele and epididymal cyst?

Spermatoceles are similar to epididymal cysts. The only difference is that the spermatocele contains fluid and sperm cells. Usually one cannot tell the difference between them by physical exam or even by ultrasound. Both are benign, meaning they are not cancerous.

How serious is a cyst on a testicle?

Fortunately, scrotal cysts are not usually a cause for concern. Most scrotal cysts are harmless and do not usually require treatment. However, it is important that people are able to identify any lumps on their scrotum or testicles. Some possible causes for a scrotal lump may be more serious and require action.

What happens if you leave a testicular cyst?

In some cases, removing an epididymal cyst or spermatocele can affect male fertility. It may cause a blockage in the epididymis or damage the vas deferens, which carries sperm from the testicle to the urethra in the penis. This prevents the sperm from traveling out.

What does a cyst in the testicle mean?

What is a spermatocele? A spermatocele (epididymal cyst) is a painless, fluid-filled cyst in the long, tightly coiled tube that lies above and behind each testicle (epididymis). The fluid in the cyst may contain sperm that are no longer alive. It feels like a smooth, firm lump in the scrotum on top of the testicle.

Can a cyst on testicle cause infertility?

The fluid in the cyst may contain sperm that are no longer alive. It feels like a smooth, firm lump in the scrotum on top of the testicle. Having a spermatocele doesn’t affect a man’s fertility.

What does a cyst feel like on testicle?

A spermatocele (epididymal cyst) is a painless, fluid-filled cyst in the long, tightly coiled tube that lies above and behind each testicle (epididymis). The fluid in the cyst may contain sperm that are no longer alive. It feels like a smooth, firm lump in the scrotum on top of the testicle.

Can a testicular cyst turn cancerous?

Can spermatoceles turn into cancer? No. Spermatoceles are benign cysts, which means they are not cancer. There is no evidence to suggest a spermatocele could turn into cancer.

How long does spermatocele last?

Scrotal swelling is normal and typically lasts for 2 to 21 days. Side effects from surgery are not common, but can involve fever, infection, bleeding (scrotal hematoma), and lasting pain. Spermatoceles can come back in about 10 ouy of 25 cases.

Is a spermatocele bad?

Spermatoceles are not usually dangerous and are treated only when they cause pain or embarrassment or when they decrease the blood supply to the penis (rare). Treatment is not usually needed if a spermatocele does not change in size or gets smaller as the body reabsorbs the fluid.

Can spermatocele go away naturally?

Although your spermatocele probably won’t go away on its own, most spermatoceles don’t need treatment. They generally don’t cause pain or complications. If yours is painful, your doctor might recommend over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).