Epididymal cyst is a harmless sac in the testicles filled with fluid.[2] The most frequent clinical presentation occurs when a routine physical examination yields an unexpected finding, which is then confirmed by scrotal ultrasonography.[1] Although the exact cause of epididymal cysts is unknown, it is likely a congenital anomaly associated with hormonal imbalances during the embryonic stage of development.[3]
| Epididymal cyst | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Epidydymal cyst (benign tumor) | |
| Specialty | Urology |
| Symptoms | Scrotal mass and pain.[1] |
| Diagnostic method | Ultrasound.[2] |
Signs and symptoms
editAn epididymal cyst, a benign cystic fluid collection in the scrotum, usually manifests as a painless swelling on top of the testicle and can be inadvertently discovered during a physical examination.[2] The most typical clinical findings are scrotal mass and pain.[1]
Causes
editThe exact cause of an epididymal cyst is unknown, but it is most likely a congenital anomaly associated with hormonal imbalances during embryonic life.[3] Previous research has shown a correlation between the development of epididymal cysts and maternal exposure to endocrine disrupting substances like diethylstilbestrol during male fetal development.[4][5] It has been determined that the causes of epididymal cysts in children are vasal or epididymal obstruction and environmental endocrine disruptors.[6][7] There has also been a suggestion that the testicular dysgenesis syndrome may include an epididymal cyst.[8]
Diagnosis
editAn ultrasound is used to confirm 20–30% of epididymal cysts that are found during a physical examination.[2]
Treatment
editAn epididymal cyst usually resolves on its own over time and doesn't need to be surgically removed.[2] Nonetheless, patients who experience excruciating scrotal pain or whose cyst size does not appear to be involute are advised to have their epididymal cysts surgically removed.[3]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b c Homayoon, Kaveh; Suhre, Chris D.; Steinhardt, George F. (2004). "Epididymal Cysts in Children: Natural History". Journal of Urology. 171 (3): 1274–1276. doi:10.1097/01.ju.0000110322.87053.99. ISSN 0022-5347. PMID 14767330.
- ^ a b c d e Boscarelli, Alessandro; Bellini, Tommaso (2021). "Epididymal cyst in children". European Journal of Pediatrics. 180 (9): 2723–2729. doi:10.1007/s00431-021-04080-5. ISSN 0340-6199. PMID 33851241. S2CID 233225219.
- ^ a b c Erikci, Volkan; Hoşgör, Münevver; Aksoy, Nail; Okur, Özkan; Yildiz, Melih; Dursun, Ahmet; Demircan, Yusuf; Örnek, Yilmazcan; Genişol, İncinur (2013). "Management of epididymal cysts in childhood". Journal of Pediatric Surgery. 48 (10). Elsevier BV: 2153–2156. doi:10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2013.01.058. ISSN 0022-3468. PMID 24094972.
- ^ Gill, W.R.; Schumacher, G.F.B.; Bibbo, M. (1977). "Pathological Seman and Anatomical Abnormalities of the Genital Tract in Human Male Subjects Exposed to Diethylstilbestrol in Utero". Journal of Urology. 117 (4). Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health): 477–480. doi:10.1016/s0022-5347(17)58502-x. ISSN 0022-5347. PMID 850321.
- ^ McLachlan, J. A. (1977). "Prenatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol in mice: Toxicological studies". Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health. 2 (3). Informa UK Limited: 527–537. Bibcode:1977JTEH....2..527M. doi:10.1080/15287397709529453. ISSN 0098-4108. PMID 846001.
- ^ Jarvis, LJ; Dubbins, PA (March 1, 1989). "Changes in the epididymis after vasectomy: sonographic findings". American Journal of Roentgenology. 152 (3). American Roentgen Ray Society: 531–534. doi:10.2214/ajr.152.3.531. ISSN 0361-803X. PMID 2644777.
- ^ Skakkebæk, Niels E. (2002). "Endocrine Disrupters and Testicular Dysgenesis Syndrome". Hormone Research in Paediatrics. 57 (2). S. Karger AG: 43. doi:10.1159/000058100. ISSN 1663-2818. PMID 12065926.
- ^ Skakkebæk, N.E.; Rajpert-De Meyts, E.; Main, K.M. (2001). "Testicular dysgenesis syndrome: an increasingly common developmental disorder with environmental aspects: Opinion". Human Reproduction. 16 (5). Oxford University Press (OUP): 972–978. doi:10.1093/humrep/16.5.972. ISSN 1460-2350. PMID 11331648.
Further reading
edit- Posey, Zachary Q.; Ahn, Hyeong Jun; Junewick, Joseph; Chen, John J.; Steinhardt, George F. (2010). "Rate and Associations of Epididymal Cysts on Pediatric Scrotal Ultrasound". Journal of Urology. 184 (4S). Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health): 1739–1742. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2010.03.118. ISSN 0022-5347. PMID 20728143.