Induration at the tail of the epididymis

There is a hard lump at the tail of the epididymis, which is likely a manifestation of epididymal cyst. Epididymal cyst is also a common problem. When this problem occurs again, it is necessary to treat the cause in time, because the epididymis is an important male reproductive organ. If there is a cyst problem, it is easy to cause infertility in the patient. Below, I will introduce you to the relevant knowledge of epididymal cyst!

1. Causes of the disease

The cause of the disease is not very clear. It may be related to sexual stimulation, chronic infection of the testicular epididymis, or partial obstruction of the duct that transports sperm. It may also be related to local injury or infection of sexually transmitted diseases. Some people have suggested that the epididymal duct at the head of the epididymis bends, turns, or forms a diverticulum. Over time and with the continuous accumulation of sperm, the diverticulum tubules continue to enlarge, thus forming a spermatocele. When the epididymis is blocked or scarred due to inflammation or trauma, a spermatocele may also occur.

2. Symptoms

They are often found near the epididymis, near or on the back of the upper pole of the testis. They vary greatly in size: some are small, with a diameter of only a few millimeters; some are as big as a glass ball or as big as a testicle; and the largest ones can exceed 10 centimeters in diameter.

3. Treatment Methods

The treatment of epididymal cyst is not difficult. If the size is small, it is discovered by oneself or by chance during a physical examination, and there are no symptoms at ordinary times, then no treatment is needed. All that is needed is to explain and educate the patient in detail and relieve his or her mental worries. If the epididymal cyst causes complications or becomes the source of anxiety for the patient, it should be surgically removed. The measures taken in the past to simply drain the fluid and inject a hardening agent to shrink the cyst are not reliable, and can often recur or cause infection, bringing difficulties to future surgeries. Therefore, surgical removal is now advocated.

Surgical methods and complications:

Because the operation is minor, the patient does not experience much pain. A small scrotal incision is sufficient to mobilize, separate, and remove the cyst, and the results are often very good. During the operation, the doctor will carefully separate the cyst from the testicle and epididymis, and then remove it intact. During the operation, the doctor will try to be careful not to compress and disrupt the blood supply to the testicle or disrupt the connection between the epididymis and the vas deferens. If the cyst is open or has been aspirated before the operation, the fluid will appear thin, white or turbid, and inactive sperm may be visible under a microscope.

Complications of surgical removal of an epididymal cyst are mild and rare and include scrotal hematoma, infertility (if the epididymis is removed), and testicular atrophy if the blood supply to the testicles is affected.