The cyst of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle is a rounded formation, inside which contains liquid. This disease is also called spermatocele. This dangerous formation is surrounded by a fibrous membrane. The liquid itself may contain an admixture of sperm. At first glance, many consider this ailment completely harmless and very common. Its insidiousness lies in the fact that at the initial stages it does not manifest itself in any way, as a rule, it can only be discovered by chance. It is worth noting that the cyst is formed both on the spermatic cord and on the appendage.
Features of the disease
The cyst of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle is a common fibrous benign neoplasm that is located in the area of the head of the testicle. Outwardly, it is a round capsule, which is inside filled with liquid. This is called spermatocele.
It is noteworthy that there is a cyst of the head of the appendage of the right and left testicle. However, it can develop in only one testicle.
Experts describe this ailment as a cystic formation filled with a liquid substance. This is considered a benign tumor. In most cases, the disease develops asymptomatically, however, in the absence of appropriate treatment, the disease can lead to various unpleasant complications, one of the most common is infertility. In this case, it becomes too difficult to solve this problem.
In the international classification of diseases of the tenth revision, this disease refers to benign neoplasms of the male genital organs. In ICD-10, the cyst of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle has code D29. This is a generally accepted classification of medical diagnoses developed by the World Health Organization.
The presence of the diagnosis of "cyst of the head of the epididymis" in the ICD-10 means that this ailment is recognized by the international medical community.
Diagnostics
It is extremely difficult to determine this disease in the early stages. Therefore, men, especially after 35-40 years old, need to be especially attentive to the state of their body, to respond to any dangerous manifestation. The reason for going to the doctor can be any discomfort that is felt in the scrotum.
As a result of a thorough examination, it is usually not difficult to make a diagnosis. The doctor visually examines the patient, probes his testicles for the presence of characteristic seals. If you suspect a cyst, appoint additional examinations.
In addition to palpation of the organs, an ultrasound of the cyst of the head of the epididymis is necessarily performed . Ultrasound examination allows to determine with maximum accuracy the localization of this neoplasm. Ultrasound also gives an idea of the amount of fluid in the cyst and its size.
MRI is used for more serious tumor diseases, especially when oncology is suspected. It is useful to make a puncture, that is, take for analysis the fluid contained in the cyst. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia.
In some cases, diaphanoscopy is also performed. This is a transillumination of the cyst with a narrow beam of light. When the cyst contains a clear liquid, as in this case, it will have a reddish tint to the lumen, and the cloudy liquid does not appear at all.
Symptoms
It is possible to determine the cyst of the head of the appendage of the left testicle by some characteristic signs. All potential patients need to know that this is a benign neoplasm that has liquid contents inside. It occurs in people at absolutely any age, but men at the age of 25 to 40 are at risk.
When the cyst of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle is in the initial stage of development, the patient does not have any unpleasant sensations at all. However, when she reaches a certain size, certain symptoms appear that can clearly identify this disease.
The cyst of the head of the epididymis in men causes pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, as well as in the scrotum, perineum. They are caused by compression of nerves and tissues, as well as a significant violation of the microcirculation of blood. This symptom is usually most pronounced after completion of sexual intercourse.
Also in the scrotum area, a characteristic seal appears, which can be determined both by palpation and visually. The cyst is separated from the body of the testicle itself. On this basis, spermatocele can be distinguished from dropsy, which can also develop in this organ.
This neoplasm does not pose any threat to human life. However, if left untreated, hydrocele can develop, which already leads to the development of infertility. This is due to the fact that the lumen present in the spermatic cord overlaps when tissue is compressed. As a result, sperm transport is impaired.
For a sufficiently long time, this ailment can occur completely without symptoms. Most often, the neoplasm is found as a result of a routine examination. In most cases, the cyst of the head of the epididymis grows to a small size - no more than five centimeters in diameter. During the examination, the doctor discovers a characteristic small moving ball in the patient. In this case, the man does not experience any pain.
In rare cases, the cyst enlarges to more impressive sizes. In this case, pulling pains occur during sexual intercourse, as well as during heavy physical exertion. In those cases when the cyst of the head of the epididymis reaches large sizes, discomfort occurs during walking, running, sitting, and various motor activities. Men also complain of a feeling of pressure and heaviness in the scrotum. If the cyst is not cured on time, it is suppurating, which will lead to a severe inflammatory process.
Cyst formation
To understand how the cyst of the appendage of the right and left testis is formed, it is necessary to understand the anatomy of the scrotum, that is, the sac that contains the testicles. Most men have two testicles in the scrotum, the key functions of which are the production of sperm and testosterone, a special male hormone. Only sperm production is associated with spermatocele.
When sperm begins to be produced in the testes, it ends up in the gland called epididymis, which is the epididymis. It is a tubular gland, whose length is about one and a half centimeters, and a diameter of not more than half a centimeter. In it, the sperm finally ripens. This process takes about a month and a half, after which the vas deferens send sperm to the prostate gland, where it connects to the seminal fluid. It is worth knowing that the sperm themselves are only a small component in the total volume of sperm.
A photo of a cyst of the head of the epididymis gives an idea that this is an abnormal sac developing in the epididymis. Spermatozoa are usually filled with sperm secretions.
Causes
In some cases, this formation is congenital. As a rule, this happens when a child is born before the appointed time, as well as when the hormonal background of a woman changes, the fetus is improperly formed at the very beginning of pregnancy, and likely injuries during childbirth.
In most cases, this cyst occurs as a result of the expansion of the ejaculatory vessels. This provokes a significant narrowing of the ducts and obstruction of the fluid. As a result, the latter begins to accumulate.
The main causes of this ailment are:
- infectious diseases that contribute to the development of cysts;
- expansion of the membranes of the testicles and their appendages;
- metabolic disorders due to injury;
- an increase in the membranes of the spermatic cord.
In some cases, certain pathologies may develop. Congenital pathologies are formed with abnormalities of the fetus, they form in the first trimester of pregnancy, as well as with traumatic for the baby or premature birth. Acquired pathologies appear as a result of an infectious disease of the genital organs or testicular injury.
There are also a number of reasons that can lead to the development of this cyst. The main provoking factors are:
- genital inflammation;
- testicular membrane expansion;
- acute infectious disease epididymitis;
- testicular injuries;
- the presence of dangerous viruses in the body, primarily gonococci, chlamydia, trichomonads;
- old age of the patient;
- congenital predisposition;
- regular contact with toxic substances.
Mechanical scrotal injuries often occur in adolescents who are addicted to power sports.
Effects
This disease must be treated, otherwise serious consequences of a cyst of the head of the epididymis are possible. The main one is infertility, which, as a rule, happens with a bilateral disease. It is also likely the development of a dangerous inflammatory process, a rupture of education with a scrotal injury. All this can lead to infection of the contents of the shell.
When a cyst is surgically removed, the following manifestations are possible:
- scrotum pain;
- appendage trauma;
- the appearance of infection and swelling;
- infertility;
- reappearance of testicular cysts.
To prevent these unpleasant consequences, men are recommended to take antibacterial drugs, which the doctor will prescribe to the patient. Moreover, for at least the first two weeks it is recommended to avoid physical exertion.
You can carry out preventive measures that can prevent the occurrence of this ailment. To do this, you should consult a doctor for pain, discomfort in the scrotum, the formation of inflammatory processes, as well as for independent detection of seals in the testicles. A prerequisite is the use of contraceptives during sex in order to minimize the risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases and infections.
Self-examination is recommended from time to time. This is best done after a warm shower or bath. Due to the high temperature, the scrotum will relax, which will help you discover something unusual. After that, stand in front of the mirror, carefully examine the scrotum for swelling. After that, feel each testicle with both hands, placing the middle and index finger from below, and the large from above. After carefully moving the testicle between the fingers, remember that they are oval, smooth and a little hard. In most cases, one testicle is slightly larger than the other. Perform this examination regularly. Then you will thoroughly know the structure of your testicles, determine as soon as any changes occur that may alert you.
Treatment
Treatment of a cyst of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle involves in most cases surgical intervention. Medication has no effect.
In the fight against this ailment has its own characteristics. Many doctors note that not in all cases it is necessary to resort to surgery, as a rule, if there is a risk of tumor genesis, there is a chance of developing infertility. There are no special medicines that can defeat the disease today. Therefore, there are only two options for the treatment of cysts of the head of the epididymis of the left testicle - sclerotherapy and removal of the cyst.
The operation takes place under local or general anesthesia. At the same time, a small incision is made on the scrotum itself, and the neoplasm is removed layer by layer. After this, the incision is sutured, supporting and gauze dressings are applied.
For help with the treatment of cysts of the head of the epididymis, you should contact a urologist. After the surgery, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics, which are designed to prevent the development of the inflammatory process.
Another effective way to combat this ailment is sclerotherapy. In this case, the entire contents are removed from the cyst cavity with a syringe, it is replaced with a specialized chemical mixture. In this case, as with surgery on the cyst of the head of the epididymis, there is a risk of infertility.
If the patient does not have any complications, he is discharged after ten days. In addition to antibiotics to prevent the development of infections and inflammations, it is also advised to take a course of vitamins in order to maintain your immunity.
A month after the operation, it is imperative to visit the urologist for a routine examination again. In the future, carefully comply with all its instructions. If the operation went without problems, the man will be able to live a full and healthy life, conceive a child.
Drug treatment
Although conservative methods cannot completely relieve the patient of this disease, in some cases it is recommended if the patient is afraid of removing the cyst of the head of the epididymis. It should be understood that there are no specific drugs for the treatment and prevention of this disease. In most cases, spermatozoa use anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to reduce pain and relieve swelling.
In some cases, the cyst responds well to conservative treatments. It is important to follow a specialized, balanced, low-fat diet. Also, with this ailment, vitamins, biologically active additives, minerals, magnesium, iodine, chromium chloride are often used.
Some studies claim that iodine is a very effective remedy, since a deficiency of this substance becomes one of the etiological factors from which the cyst forms. So you can count on a positive effect in the treatment with iodine solution, spermatocele may even decrease in size.
Minimally invasive therapy
Another method of treating this ailment is aspiration. This method is based on the fact that the puncture needle is inserted into the spermatocele, and all the secret contained in it is removed. If relapse occurs, the doctor may recommend aspirating the liquid by injecting a special chemical into the empty cavity.
This chemical agent causes sclerosis of the cyst. As a rule, this method is used in men who are old, do not expect to have children in the future or have already realized their plans in this direction.
Folk remedies
According to reviews, with a cyst of the head of the epididymis, grandmother's recipes can help. In some cases, they are really able to alleviate the patient’s condition, but it should be understood that they can be used only after consulting a doctor who is aware of the characteristics of your body and the development of the disease. In addition, alternative therapy will never replace a surgical operation, which is considered the most effective way to combat spermatocele.
Many of the tips of the healers are based on the use of herbal decoctions. Some of them are based on sage, mountain arnica, geek and even poisonous fly agaric. The effectiveness of these methods has not been proven by official science. However, some of these methods help.
For example, it is advised to make a decoction based on Icelandic moss. It is prepared from dry lichen, 10 g of chopped moss is poured with boiling water. The resulting mixture is boiled over low heat. The resulting composition should be consumed in half a glass several times a day.
It is believed that regular use of seaweed kelp can significantly reduce the risk of all sorts of pathological dangerous cells in the body, including those that provoke spermatozoa.
In some recipes, the main ingredient is nettle. Use only if it is young and burning. Following the recipe, two tablespoons of nettle should be poured with boiling water, after which the broth should be allowed to cool and brew. The resulting composition, drink a quarter liter two to three times a day.
In another embodiment, you should take chopped horse sorrel (about three tablespoons), which is poured with a liter of cool water. Leave it to insist for ten hours. After that, boil the entire mixture for one hour. The strained liquid is consumed for about two months instead of tea.
For the preparation of folk medicine from plantain, take 100 g of its seeds and one liter of white wine. Mix all the ingredients together, allowing the mixture to infuse for two weeks. Take this medicine three times a day before meals, one tablespoon each.
Some also use special ointments and compresses. For example, based on peas and beer. 50 g peas pour 500 ml of beer. You need to wait until the peas swell. After this, cook the mixture for 30 minutes, leave for another three hours. The resulting peas should be crushed with a fork, applied to a tissue dressing and applied to the testicle for the whole night.
Jasmine and oil ointment helps some. Flowers are poured with olive oil, and after two weeks the whole mixture is filtered. The ointment is rubbed into the testicle until the cyst begins to decrease.