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Spermatocele
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Spermatoceles are fairly common, appearing in about 30% of adult men. They are usually found during self examination or while men are undergoing imaging studies for other conditions.
- arise from an accumulation of sperm, usually in the head of the epididymis.
- cause is not known
Clinical Features
- small, pea-sized bulge or lump in the scrotum.
- Sometimes this lump may be tender or painful and on occasions the scrotum is enlarged.
Differential Diagnosis
Testicular Diagnoses
- Testicular torsion
- Epididymitis
- Orchitis
- Torsion of testicular appendage
- Scrotal abscess
- Fournier gangrene
- Hydrocele
- Indirect inguinal hernia
- Hematocele
- Spermatocele
- Testicular trauma
- Testicular rupture
- Varicocele
- Inguinal lymph node (Lymphadenitis)
- Testicular tumor
- Cellulitis
- Tinea cruris
Evaluation
- ultrasound - nearly 100% accurate in diagnosis of spermatocele
Management
- Usually does not require treatment
- Surgical management my urology can be discussed if spermatocele is causing pain or increases in size
Disposition
- discharge home with urology follow up if needed
References
- Cleveland Clinic Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute. Hydrocele and Spermatocele. Retrieved from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/services/urology-kidney/diseases-conditions/hydrocele-spermatocele
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Epididymal Cyst and Spermatocele. Retrieved from http://www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/epididymal-cyst-and-spermatocele#.Vpe8cDbsehQ
