Testicular cyst is a tumor-like formation with a dense fibrous membrane and liquid contents. Despite the fact that this structure is benign, treatment is still required for men. A constantly growing cyst compresses other tissues of the scrotum, which leads to the appearance of dangerous complications.
It is natural that many members of the stronger sex are looking for additional information about the pathology. Why is a testicular cyst formed in men? What are the symptoms of the disease? What treatments are considered the most effective?
What is a cyst?
Testicular cyst is a small structure with a dense fibrous membrane and liquid contents. The structure is benign and grows slowly, and the initial stages of its development are completely asymptomatic.
Such a neoplasm can be either acquired or congenital. The congenital structure, as a rule, appears at the initial stages of intrauterine development (for up to 20 weeks), which is often associated with a violation of the hormonal background of the mother and injuries to the woman’s abdomen during pregnancy.
Pathology can be either one-sided (a cyst of the right testicle or left is often diagnosed) and bilateral. In addition, such a neoplasm can have a different structure and content:
- a single-chamber cyst consists of one cavity (absent inside the septum);
- inside the multi-chamber cyst there are partitions;
- spermatocele - a cyst inside which seminal fluid accumulates.
Reasons for education
If we are talking about an acquired (secondary) testicular cyst, then the reasons may be different. In fact, to date, scientists have not been able to find out the exact mechanisms of formation of such a structure. Nevertheless, some risk factors are still known.
- According to statistics, cysts are most often diagnosed in men aged 40 to 60 years.
- The disease often develops against the background of expansion of the membranes of the testis, appendages, as well as tissues in the spermatic cord.
- Risk factors include infectious diseases. Inflammation, which appeared against the background of the activity of pathogenic microflora (including sexually transmitted infections), often leads to the formation of cavities in which serous fluid, purulent masses accumulate , etc.
- Potentially dangerous are the toxins that enter the body.
- Injury to the scrotum (for example, when struck, dropped, etc.) often leads to impaired blood circulation and tissue trophism.
During the diagnosis, the doctor, if possible, will try to find out the causes of the appearance of the neoplasm, since the treatment regimen will depend on this.
What symptoms are accompanied by pathology?
As already mentioned, in the initial stages, the pathology is rarely accompanied by any specific symptoms. Tangible violations appear if the cyst increases in size.
- On palpation of the scrotum, a small round seal may be found.
- Swelling of the scrotum is possible, as a result of which, while walking or physical activity, the patient suffers from constant discomfort.
- As the disease progresses, pain appears. Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by palpation of the scrotum. The skin becomes hot to the touch. Sometimes patients complain of drawing pains in the lower abdomen.
- If there is an inflammatory process, fever, weakness, chills, body aches can occur.
- Bloating is sometimes observed, men complain of a constant feeling of pressure and overcrowding.
- Sexual intercourse, erection are also often accompanied by pain.
- Sometimes you can observe intensive growth of hair on the body, in particular in the groin area - this is due to a violation of the synthesis of sex hormones.
- If the cyst increases significantly, it can put pressure on the bladder, which is accompanied by urinary retention or, conversely, rapid urination, discomfort during emptying.
Testicular cyst: consequences
Despite the fact that this is a benign structure, complications against the background of the disease are still possible. Their list is worth exploring.
- The fluid in the cavity of the cyst stagnates, which creates good conditions for the propagation of pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Risk factors in this case include hypothermia and a decrease in immune activity. The inflammatory process is accompanied by the formation of purulent masses that accumulate in the neoplasm cavity. The scrotum swells from the affected side (for example, if there is a cyst of the left ovary, the left side swells), the skin on it acquires a reddish tint, becomes hot to the touch. Many patients complain of drawing pains and discomfort while walking.
- There is a chance of rupture of the testicular cyst. This, as a rule, is the result of injury to the scrotum, a strong blow. The contents of the neoplasm enters the tissues of the scrotum, which sometimes leads to inflammation of the testicles and appendages.
- Sometimes the cyst enlarges, squeezing the vas deferens. This disrupts the normal passage of sperm, which, in turn, leads to secondary infertility.
- A growing neoplasm sometimes compresses nerve fibers and blood vessels, which leads to a violation of trophism and innervation of the scrotum organs. This condition is accompanied by acute pain and serious metabolic failures.
Of course, all these pathologies should be timely treated.
Diagnostic measures
If the above symptoms appear, consult a doctor.
- To begin with, the doctor collects information for the anamnesis, is interested in the presence of certain symptoms in patients, studies information about the man’s lifestyle, etc.
- A general inspection is also being conducted. During palpation of the scrotum, the doctor may detect a small formation over the testicle. A specialist can evaluate the size of the neoplasm, determine the presence of pain, find out the degree of mobility of the cyst, etc.
- The patient gives blood and urine samples. It also checks for the presence of sexually transmitted diseases.
- An ultrasound of the scrotum organs is mandatory. During the procedure, the doctor can detect a neoplasm, accurately determine its size and location. By the way, according to statistics, the cyst of the left testicle is more common, which is associated with the anatomical features of the male reproductive system.
- Sometimes patients are referred for diaphanoscopy. The scrotum is illuminated with a special light source, evaluating the features of the passage of light rays through the tissue. If this is really a liquid-filled cyst, then it will begin to “glow” in pink.
- Sometimes additionally performed computed or magnetic resonance imaging. Such procedures give the doctor more data on the structure and form of the neoplasm.
- If there is a suspicion of cancerous tumors, then a testicular biopsy is performed with further histological examination. Sometimes the patient additionally gives blood samples to check for the presence of tumor markers.
Cyst puncture
There is no drug treatment for testicular cysts in men. Sometimes patients are recommended cyst puncture. Using a special needle, the doctor punctures the neoplasm and removes its liquid contents. Then the cyst cavity can be treated with antiseptic solutions and antibiotics. The fluid obtained during the procedure is sent to the laboratory for analysis. This is a temporary measure, since the cyst cavity remains and in most cases is filled with fluid again.
Sclerotherapy: features of the procedure
Sclerotherapy is a fairly popular treatment for testicular cysts. According to the mechanism of conduction, it is similar to puncture. First, the doctor removes the contents of the neoplasm, and then fills the cavity with a special sclerosant. This chemical substance destroys the cells that line the cavity of the cyst, after which it causes “gluing” of its walls. Thus, the structure cannot be filled with liquid. The procedure is effective if a small cystic neoplasm is found in the tissues of the scrotum.
Laparoscopic surgery for testicular cyst
The most effective today is laparoscopic removal of the cyst. The procedure is carried out using special optical equipment and does not require surgical dissection of surface tissues - the instruments are inserted into the scrotum through small punctures on the skin. During the operation, the doctor carefully removes the cyst, burns damaged vessels.
Rehabilitation after laparoscopy
Laparoscopic removal of testicular cysts, as a rule, takes place without problems and complications. Nevertheless, the patient needs rehabilitation, since the reproductive system, as well as the whole body, needs time to recover.
- In the first few days, the patient is recommended bed rest. If the scrotum is horizontal, then the risk of developing edema is lower.
- At the initial stages of rehabilitation, cold compresses are recommended, which also prevent the development of edema or remove existing ones.
- After a man can already stand and walk, a special pad is attached to the scrotum, which supports the organs in the right position, eliminates injuries during walking, and ensures quick healing of tissues.
- In the first 2-3 weeks, physical activity and sexual activity are contraindicated.
Diet after laparoscopic cyst removal
After surgery, patients are advised to follow some nutritional rules, as this helps the body recover faster. The principles are as follows:
- diet should be gentle;
- fruits and vegetables should be included in the diet, which will saturate the body with vitamins and fiber;
- useful will be fresh juices, as well as cereals;
- You can’t overeat, you need to eat often, but in small portions;
- alcohol is contraindicated during rehabilitation.
Treatment with folk remedies
Of course, traditional medicine offers a lot of recipes effective for testicular cysts. It should be noted right away that home remedies are not able to eliminate an existing neoplasm - with their help, you can only facilitate the process of recovery of the body.
- Folk healers recommend a decoction of sage. A teaspoon of raw materials is poured with boiling water, insisted, filtered. You need to take two tablespoons three or four times a day.
- You can cook and ointment for external use. Fresh juice from the flax grass is mixed with butter in a ratio of 2: 5. The mixture is placed in a water bath and heated until the liquid evaporates. The resulting product is then cooled - it is suitable for treating the skin of the scrotum.
Of course, it is impossible to use such drugs without the knowledge of a doctor. Do not refuse the help of doctors or ignore the symptoms of the disease - the likelihood of complications is high.