Hi,
A small lump arising on the top of the testicle or along the epididymis can just be a cyst or a spermatocele. This is quite harmless and requires no intervention unless it gets infected or grows in size to the extent where it can cause discomfort or pain during normal activities.
As the lump has been present for the past 2 years and has not changed in size, it is unlikely that it is cancerous. Cancer is characterized by the rapid growth and spread of abnormal cells and may be associated with other symptoms, such as blood in semen or urine, weight loss, general debility, etc.
There is no urgency to have the lump checked out as it is probably just a cyst. This does not impair fertility or sexual performance. You can have yourself examined by your doctor or a urologist to reassure yourself that the lump is nothing serious, but no other intervention is currently required.
Do keep us posted on your doubts and progress.
Thank you so much for the answers. Now that you have told me this i am going to get checked out. What exactly would the doctors do to get rid of this problem? and how long would the recovery period be?
Hi,
An epididymal cyst or spermatocele does not usually require any intervention. If you want to have the cyst removed, the cyst can be excised surgically. This can be performed under general or local anesthesia.
Surgical intervention or removal of an epididymal cyst is not usually advised as it carries the risk of complications within or in the vicinity of the epididymis which can cause problems resulting in chronic pain or infertility.
If the cyst is not prone to infection nor is causing any pain, it would be better just to have it examined and have an ultrasound done to confirm its contents and not have any surgical intervention at present.
The procedure can be performed on a day-care basis. Recovery time will be about 4-8 weeks as any intervention in the scrotum needs adequate rest to avoid formation of a hydrocele or hematoma.
regards,