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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffA spermatocele usually causes no signs or symptoms and may remain the same size. If it becomes large enough, however, you may feel:
- Pain or discomfort in the affected testicle
- A feeling of heaviness in the testicle with the spermatocele
- Swelling behind and above the testicle
When to see a doctor
Because a spermatocele usually doesn't cause symptoms, you may discover it only during a testicular self-exam, or your doctor may find it during a routine physical exam.
It's a good idea to have your doctor evaluate any scrotal mass to rule out a serious condition, such as testicular cancer. You also need to call your doctor if you experience pain or swelling in your scrotum. A number of conditions can cause testicular pain, and some of the conditions require immediate treatment.
References
- Spermatoceles. American Urological Association Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=117. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Brenner JS, et al. Causes of painless scrotal swelling in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Tiemestra JD, et al. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1165.
- Wampler SM. Common scrotal and testicular problems. Primary Care Clinics Office Practice. 2010;37:613.
- Montgomery JS. The diagnosis and management of scrotal masses. Medical Clinics of North America. 2011;95:235.
- Painless scrotal mass. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/genitourinary_disorders/symptoms_of_genitourinary_disorders/painless_scrotal_mass.html. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Jahnson S, et al. A randomized trial comparing 2 doses of polidocanol sclerotherapy for hydrocele or spermatocele. The Journal of Urology. 2011;186:1319.
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