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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
A spermatocele is an abnormal sac (cyst) that develops in the epididymis — the small, coiled tube located in the upper testicle that collects and transports sperm. Generally painless and noncancerous, a spermatocele usually is filled with milky or clear fluid that may contain sperm.
Spermatoceles are small, usually less than a 1/2 inch (less than 1 centimeter) in diameter, although some may be larger.
Spermatoceles, sometimes called spermatic cysts, are common. They typically don't reduce fertility or require treatment. If a spermatocele grows large enough to cause discomfort, your doctor may suggest surgery.
- Cooper CS, et al. Urology. In:. Doherty GM. Current Diagnosis and Treatment: Surgery. 13th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5312459. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Spermatoceles. American Urological Association Foundation. http://www.urologyhealth.org/search/index.cfm?topic=530&search=spermatocele&searchtype=and. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Scrotal masses. In: Townsend CM, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169561838-3/913428548/1565/762.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3675-3..50081-2--cesec29_4564. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Schneck FX, et al. Abnormalities of the testes and scrotum and their surgical management. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169561838-3/913428548/1445/130.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50129-1--cesec70_8117. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Sandlow JL, et al. Surgery of the scrotum and seminal vesicles. In: Wein AJ, et al. Campbell-Walsh Urology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2007. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/169561838-3/913428548/1445/37.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-0798-6..50036-4--cesec20_2551. Accessed Nov. 6, 2009.
- Tiemestra JD, et al. Evaluation of scrotal masses. American Family Physician. 2008;78:1165.
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