Spermatocele

Diagnosis

Spermatoceles frequently go misdiagnosed, as they frequently have no symptoms. The following may help the healthcare provider properly diagnose the condition.

• Physical examination: Patient will be required a physical examination to identify a spermatocele. Although a spermatocele usually doesn’t hurt, the patient could experience pain when their doctor palpates the tumor. When performing a testicular self-exam, some persons find a spermatocele.
• Laboratory test: A complete blood count (CBC) test or a urine test may be advised by a healthcare provider if a patient complains of testicular pain. These tests look for potential infection or inflammation.
• Transillumination: A light may be shined by the healthcare practitioner through the scrotum. The light will show that a spermatocele has a mass that is fluid-filled rather than solid.
• Ultrasound: With the use of sound waves, this non-invasive imaging procedure, testicular cysts are precisely imaged. An ultrasound can help identify what else it might be if transillumination doesn’t definitively reveal a cyst. This test, which visualizes structures using high-frequency sound waves, may be done to rule out a testicular tumor or another source of scrotal enlargement.

Treatment

The majority of spermatoceles do not necessitate treatment, as they typically do not resolve on their own and are not associated with pain or complications. However, if discomfort is experienced, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relief medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate symptoms.

• Surgical treatment: A spermatocelectomy is often carried out as an outpatient treatment under local or general anesthesia. The spermatocele and epididymis are separated by the surgeon through an incision in the scrotum. Following surgery, the patient may be required to wear a supportive undergarment filled with gauze to apply pressure to and protect the incision site. Patients may also be advised to:
  • Apply ice compress for 2 – 3 days to reduce swelling.
  • Oral pain medications are recommended for a day or two.
  • Follow-up examination is recommended between 1-3 weeks after the operation.

Surgical removal of a spermatocele can result in damage to the epididymis or vas deferens, which can impact fertility by affecting the tube that transports sperm. Additionally, there is a possibility of a reoccurrence of a spermatocele even after surgery.

• Aspiration with or without sclerotherapy: Sclerotherapy and aspiration are other therapies, however they are rarely used. A particular needle is used to aspirate fluid from the spermatocele during the procedure.

If a spermatocele reappears, a healthcare provider may recommend aspiration of the fluid and the injection of a chemical into the sac. This procedure causes scarring in the spermatocele sac, which replaces the fluid and reduces the likelihood of recurrence.

Sclerotherapy may result in damage to the epididymis as a side effect. Also, it’s possible for the spermatocele to return.

• Fertility protection: Sclerotherapy and surgery both have the risk of damaging the epididymis or the vas deferens, which can have an impact on fertility. Some treatments may be postponed until they are done having children. In the event that a patient is experiencing discomfort due to a spermatocele and wishes to take immediate action, they may consult their healthcare provider about the benefits and drawbacks of sperm banking.