Spermatocele Diagnosis & Treatment
Spermatocele Treatment in La Mesa, CA
Evaluation and treatment for spermatocele, also known as a spermatic cyst, including scrotal ultrasound, symptom monitoring, medication, spermatocelectomy, aspiration, and sclerotherapy options.
A spermatocele, also known as a spermatic cyst, is a benign growth that develops on the epididymis, the coiled tube located on the upper side of the testicle that stores sperm. Most spermatoceles are small and contain a milky fluid that may or may not contain sperm. They are usually harmless and may stay the same in size or may grow over time.
Spermatocele diagnosis and treatment near San Diego.
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides spermatocele evaluation and treatment for patients in La Mesa and surrounding San Diego communities.
Causes of a Spermatocele
The specific cause of a spermatocele is unknown. However, possible causes may include:
- A blockage within the tubes that drain sperm into the epididymis
- A result of trauma or inflammation
- In utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol or DES, a synthetic form of estrogen
Symptoms of a Spermatocele
Most men who develop spermatoceles do not experience any symptoms. Some patients may experience heaviness or dull pain within the scrotum.
A new scrotal lump, sudden pain, redness, swelling, fever, nausea, testicular pain, or a rapidly changing mass should be evaluated promptly by a medical professional.
Diagnosis of a Spermatocele
Most spermatoceles are discovered during a self-examination of the testicles or during a routine doctor's exam. A doctor may perform an ultrasound to further evaluate the cyst and diagnose it as a spermatocele.
A urology exam can help evaluate the location, size, tenderness, and characteristics of the scrotal cyst.
Ultrasound may be used to further evaluate the cyst and help confirm whether it is a spermatocele.
Treatment of a Spermatocele
Since most spermatoceles do not cause any symptoms or harm, they do not usually require treatment. If the size of the spermatocele increases and becomes bothersome, or results in pain, there are several options available for treatment.
Medication is sometimes used to treat spermatoceles. Spermatocele that cause moderate pain or discomfort can often be relieved with anti-inflammatory medication or oral analgesics.
In cases where spermatocele symptoms cause extreme discomfort, surgery may be recommended. Removal of the spermatocele is performed through a surgical procedure under local or general anesthesia. An incision is made in the scrotum and the spermatocele is separated from the epididymis and then removed.
Although it is not common procedure, doctors sometimes will sometimes use aspiration to treat a spermatocele. Aspiration involves the puncture of the spermatocele with a needle and withdrawal of its contents into a syringe.
Sclerotherapy may also be used to drain fluid from the cyst and turn it into scar tissue. After using a needle to drain the fluid from the spermatocele, an irritating agent is injected directly into the spermatocele sac to cause it to heal and the scar to close.
Treatment depends on symptoms, size, discomfort, fertility goals, exam findings, ultrasound results, and overall health. Your urologist can discuss whether observation, medication, surgery, aspiration, or sclerotherapy is appropriate.
Common questions about spermatocele.
These answers are general educational information and are not a substitute for a medical evaluation. A urologist can help confirm the cause of a scrotal cyst or lump and discuss treatment options.
What is a spermatocele?
A spermatocele, also known as a spermatic cyst, is a benign growth that develops on the epididymis, the coiled tube on the upper side of the testicle that stores sperm.
Are spermatoceles dangerous?
Most spermatoceles are usually harmless, small, and may stay the same in size. Some may grow over time or become bothersome.
What causes a spermatocele?
The specific cause is unknown. Possible causes may include a blockage within the tubes that drain sperm into the epididymis, trauma or inflammation, or in utero exposure to diethylstilbestrol, also known as DES.
What symptoms can a spermatocele cause?
Most men do not experience symptoms. Some patients may experience heaviness or dull pain within the scrotum.
How is a spermatocele diagnosed?
Spermatoceles may be discovered during testicular self-exam or routine doctor exam. A doctor may perform a scrotal ultrasound to further evaluate the cyst and diagnose it as a spermatocele.
How is a spermatocele treated?
Most spermatoceles do not require treatment. If a spermatocele becomes larger, bothersome, or painful, options may include medication, surgery, aspiration, or sclerotherapy.
What is spermatocelectomy?
Spermatocelectomy is surgical removal of the spermatocele. An incision is made in the scrotum, and the spermatocele is separated from the epididymis and removed.
Where can I get spermatocele treatment near San Diego?
Alvarado La Mesa Urology provides spermatocele diagnosis and treatment in La Mesa, CA, serving patients from San Diego, El Cajon, Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, and nearby communities.
Credible educational references.
The educational information on this page is supported by reputable medical organizations and patient education resources. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Schedule a spermatocele consultation in La Mesa.
If you have a scrotal lump, heaviness, dull scrotal pain, or a spermatocele that is growing or becoming bothersome, Alvarado La Mesa Urology can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options.