A patient asks for a definition: what is a spermatocele?

A patient asks for a definition: what is a spermatocele?

• A. Epididymal cyst, benign and typically painless, fluid-filled and transilluminates
• B. Testicular tumor
• C. Varicocele
• D. Hydrocele

Answer: (A)

A spermatocele is a benign cystic dilation of the epididymal duct, usually in the head of the epididymis, that fills with fluid and sperm. Because it’s a fluid-filled cyst separate from the testicle, it presents as a painless, soft lump in the scrotum and will transilluminate when light is shined through it. This description matches an epididymal cyst that is fluid-filled and transilluminates, which is why it’s the best definition. It differs from a testicular tumor, which arises from the testicle itself and is typically a solid mass rather than a fluid-filled cyst. It also differs from a varicocele, which is dilation of the pampiniform veins and feels like a “bag of worms” rather than a discrete fluid-filled lump that transilluminates. A hydrocele involves fluid around the testicle within the tunica vaginalis and surrounds the testicle, whereas a spermatocele is an epididymal cyst located in the head of the epididymis.

A spermatocele is a benign cystic dilation of the epididymal duct, usually in the head of the epididymis, that fills with fluid and sperm. Because it’s a fluid-filled cyst separate from the testicle, it presents as a painless, soft lump in the scrotum and will transilluminate when light is shined through it. This description matches an epididymal cyst that is fluid-filled and transilluminates, which is why it’s the best definition.

It differs from a testicular tumor, which arises from the testicle itself and is typically a solid mass rather than a fluid-filled cyst. It also differs from a varicocele, which is dilation of the pampiniform veins and feels like a “bag of worms” rather than a discrete fluid-filled lump that transilluminates. A hydrocele involves fluid around the testicle within the tunica vaginalis and surrounds the testicle, whereas a spermatocele is an epididymal cyst located in the head of the epididymis.