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What is a Spermatocele?

A. Gabrenas
A. Gabrenas

A spermatocele is a cyst on the epididymis, which is a tube in a man’s testicle that stores and carries sperm. This type of cyst is usually small and benign. It often contains a milky liquid, usually containing dead sperm. Most men who have a spermatocele will not require treatment, unless it becomes very large or uncomfortable. In this case, surgery to remove the spermatocele is often recommended.

Spermatoceles often cause no symptoms at first. They usually measure less than 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) and are often only felt during testicular self-exams or testicular cancer screening exams. If they grow larger, they may cause pain, swelling or a feeling of heaviness in the testicle.

If a spermatoceles grows too large, it can cause pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle.
If a spermatoceles grows too large, it can cause pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle.

To diagnose a spermatocele, a health-care provider will often perform a manual exam. He or she may also hold a light up to the scrotum to see if the mass being felt is filled with fluid or if it is solid. Light will generally pass through this type of fluid-filled cyst, but it usually will not pass through a solid mass, such as a hernia or cancerous tumor. The health-care provider may also recommend having a testicular ultrasound, which can also help show whether or not the mass is filled with fluid.

Spermatocele cysts on the testes may result in fertility problems.
Spermatocele cysts on the testes may result in fertility problems.

If a spermatocele grows large and/or causes symptoms, a health-care provider may recommend a surgery called a spermatocelectomy. In general, a spermatocelectomy involves cutting open the scrotum and removing the spermatocele cyst through the opening. As with most surgeries, there can be risks to this procedure. For a spermatocelectomy in particular, the risks commonly include infertility, bruising and pain.

A testicular ultrasound can help determine if a spermatocele is filled with fluid.
A testicular ultrasound can help determine if a spermatocele is filled with fluid.

Another less common spermatocele treatment is sclerotherapy. This procedure is usually done by making a small incision in the scrotum and inserting a needle into the cyst to remove the fluid. A chemical is usually injected into the empty cyst sac. This chemical usually helps scar tissue grow inside the sac, which may help prevent the sac from filling up with fluid again. There may also be risks associated with this procedure, such as infertility, bleeding and infection.

A spermatocele is a cyst on the epididymis, which is the tube inside a testicle that stores and carries sperm.
A spermatocele is a cyst on the epididymis, which is the tube inside a testicle that stores and carries sperm.

Since spermatoceles don't usually cause problems and the procedures to remove them can have serious risks, many health-care providers suggest just keeping an eye on them until treatment becomes necessary. Regular self-exams and checkups with a health-care provider can help detect any changes in the spermatocele. They can also often help detect any other masses that may require attention.

Discussion Comments

MrsPramm

@croydon - Well, just as long as they do go and see a doctor, rather than trying to self diagnose. I could see people taking some of the information from this article, for example, that a spermatocele will let light through because it's filled with fluid, and try to self diagnose rather than go to the doctor.

I'm sure there are also men who would rather just ignore the problem if the alternative is spermatocele surgery. I know I wouldn't really relish the idea of having surgery around that area. But, sometimes you just have to grit your teeth and bear it.

croydon

It must be pretty scary to have one of these, because I'll bet the average guy won't be able to tell the difference between a spermatocele and a cancerous lump and that's the first place my mind would go if I found a lump in that area.

In a way, it could be a good thing if it scared someone into going to the doctor who might not otherwise go. But, I'd be just as happy to be without them.

anon170075

Excellent info, thank you. I am a male nurse who is more relaxed now after reading your article. --mikeisha

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    • If a spermatoceles grows too large, it can cause pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle.
      By: peterjunaidy
      If a spermatoceles grows too large, it can cause pain, swelling and a feeling of heaviness in the testicle.
    • Spermatocele cysts on the testes may result in fertility problems.
      By: JackF
      Spermatocele cysts on the testes may result in fertility problems.
    • A testicular ultrasound can help determine if a spermatocele is filled with fluid.
      By: poco_bw
      A testicular ultrasound can help determine if a spermatocele is filled with fluid.
    • A spermatocele is a cyst on the epididymis, which is the tube inside a testicle that stores and carries sperm.
      By: joshya
      A spermatocele is a cyst on the epididymis, which is the tube inside a testicle that stores and carries sperm.
    • A spermatocele may be diagnosed during cancer screening exams.
      By: Burlingham
      A spermatocele may be diagnosed during cancer screening exams.
    • Surgery may be performed to treat a spermatocele.
      By: araraadt
      Surgery may be performed to treat a spermatocele.