Spermatocele or worse?

Approximately 2 years ago I was experiencing a dull ache and general discomfort in my testes while walking, sitting, etc. I was diagnosed by a urologist at my University (I'm 22) with a spermatocele above my left testicle on the epididymus. He gave me an anti-inflamatory to take care of the pain and he seemed to indicate it may shrink the spermatocele as well.

Several months later, when the discomfort seemed to have remained, I went to a different urologist, who conducted another hand examination and again said I had a spermatocele. He prescribed me more anti-inflamatories and I think gave me an anti-biotic as well.

The discomfort has continued over the last 18 months, on and off, and is worrying me again. I've again been referred to a Uroligist, but in the interim am starting to worry that because of the discomfort, this is more than just a spermatocele, which I have read do not cause pain. The focal point of the pain does seem to be on that left side.

Is there any chance that this could be cancer? Or is the diagnosis of a spermatocele from 26 and 18 months ago likely the culprit? Again--the discomfort is noticable, though not debilitating--enough to get me worried. If it is a spermatocele and It needs to be operated on, could that make me sterile? I'm only 22, and that has me concerned.

Thanks.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

I would suggest a scrotal ultrasound.  If there is cancer, this simple imaging test would detect it.  Other possibilities would be a groin hernia.

If a spermatocele is all there is, and the urologist believes it is causing the pain, then you may want to consider a surgical excision.  This procedure can relieve the pain in most cases.  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.