Cysts connected with the epididymis
Types Cysts of the epididymis Spermatocele
Cysts of the epididymis Congenital, derived from an embryonic remnant around the epididymis Filled with crystal clear fluid
Cysts of the epididymis: clinical features Found during middle life Usually bilateral Cysts: Located behind the body of the testis Tense (aggregation of a number of small cysts like bunch of tiny grapes) Fluctuation difficult appreciate Transillumination: Chinese lantern pattern
Cysts of the epididymis: D/D Cysts of the appendages of the testis
Cysts of the epididymis: T/t If small no T/t is needed Surgical if the cyst is large & causing discomfort Aspiration is useless, as these cysts are usually multilocular
Spermatocele Acquired Unilocular Retention cyst Cysts contain fluid resembling barley – water containing spermatozoa
Spermatocele: clinical features Scrotal swelling Location: head of the epididymis, above & behind the body of testis Testis can be felt separately from the body of the testis Soft Fluctuation: usually positive Transillumination test: negative
Testicle (grey) and Spermatocele (black)
Spermatocele: T/t Aspiration Excision of the cyst