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Can A Small Lump At The Bottom Of The Epididymis Be Dangerous?
Good day. I m 34 years old and have found a lump as small as a bead at the tail (bottom)of the epididymis. Not painless and is separate from the testacle. It feels like if it is attached by a very short vein to the edidimytis on my left testes. What can this be. Do I need to be worried and can it be dangerous. I have made an appointment with the urologist however he can only see me on 23 February 2017.
Thu, 2 Feb 2017
Dear user,
Thanks for your question. There may be a few possibilities
1 Epididymal cyst. These are the small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that can appear in the epididymis, usually cause no discomfort or pain. Usually, the doctor can diagnose it clinically, but sometimes an ultrasound may be needed to confirm the cyst. They are left alone if not infected, very big (which need needle aspiration of fluid in it), or painful. rarely they may need removal by operation if causing suspicion or trouble.
2 Spermatocele: this is a cyst which feels like an epididymal cyst but it is filled with sperm (semen). Again managed conservatively most of the times.
3 Varicocele: this is like varicose veins of the small veins next to one testicle (testis) or both testes. It is usually described as feeling like a 'wriggling bag of worms'. This is managed with surgery mostly, after preliminary investigations to see whats causing opressure on the testicluar veins.
4 Lipoma: this is a fatty lump which can sometimes cause difficulty because it can be felt separate from the testis, just like an epididymal cyst.
So I suggest if it is soft and doesn't increase in size, you can wait for the appointment. Just keep an eye on it.
Do write back if there are any more concerns.
Thanks
Thanks for your question. There may be a few possibilities
1 Epididymal cyst. These are the small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that can appear in the epididymis, usually cause no discomfort or pain. Usually, the doctor can diagnose it clinically, but sometimes an ultrasound may be needed to confirm the cyst. They are left alone if not infected, very big (which need needle aspiration of fluid in it), or painful. rarely they may need removal by operation if causing suspicion or trouble.
2 Spermatocele: this is a cyst which feels like an epididymal cyst but it is filled with sperm (semen). Again managed conservatively most of the times.
3 Varicocele: this is like varicose veins of the small veins next to one testicle (testis) or both testes. It is usually described as feeling like a 'wriggling bag of worms'. This is managed with surgery mostly, after preliminary investigations to see whats causing opressure on the testicluar veins.
4 Lipoma: this is a fatty lump which can sometimes cause difficulty because it can be felt separate from the testis, just like an epididymal cyst.
So I suggest if it is soft and doesn't increase in size, you can wait for the appointment. Just keep an eye on it.
Do write back if there are any more concerns.
Thanks
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It can either be varicocele or a hydrocele but needs proper examination and ultrasound scan to be sure. Depending on results your doctor will make a plan. 23rd is not far now so it's ok to wait for your appointment and get some tests done.
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