Epididymal cyst?

[Worried_Guy321]

Hi

Last week I found a small lump (feels like a grain of sand) on my left testicle, on the inner side facing my penis, about 1/3 of the way down the testicle.  I immediately booked an appointment to see my GP. After examining me, he seemed quite sure that the lump was nothing to worry about, and he said he thinks it's a small epididymal cyst.

I have done some research on epididymal cysts and I would like to ask the following questions:

1.  Could an epididymal cyst occur about 1/3 way down testicle on the inner side, or is this too low down (i.e. does epididymis stretch this far)?
2.  Can a cyst appear directly on the testicle, as opposed to the epididymis?  
3.  How long should this cyst last?  My GP said it should be reabsorbed by my testicle in a few weeks time.
4.  Should I ask for an ultrasound from a urologist or trust my GP?

Many thanks for your help

Worried Guy

[Worried_Guy321]

Hi Doc

Please let me know if I have to pay to have my follow up questions answered, I dont mind doing so if I have to.  

Regards

Worried_Guy321

[Worried_Guy321]

Hi Stephen

Sorry to bother you, but I think you missed my last post.  

I am quite concerned as my research shows that cysts of the tunica albugenia are quite rare (unless I have been researching a different type of tunica albulgenia cyst...).

Therefore, I would appreciate it greatly if you could provide some brief answers to the above, including why you suspect my lump is a tunica albulgenia cyst (is there something about the size and position of my lump that suggests a tunica albulgenia cyst?).  

PS: the lump has still not grown

Cheers Dr

Worried Guy

[Worried_Guy321]

Stephen

Thanks for your reply; very helpful.  A couple more questions have sprung to mind (sorry!)

1.  I am 26 years old...how common is it to get a cyst of the tunica albugenia at my age, and indeed during the course of any man's life?
2.  The lump has not changed in the two weeks I have noticed it.  When can I be confident that the lump is nothing sinister? (I imagine if it was cancer, it would have grown by now?)
3.  Would a tunica albugenia cyst vary, or would it stay tiny? (just wondering what I could potentially expect)
4.  Can you recommend a suitable (i.e. accessible) urology text which I could read to understand more about the testes and cysts of the testes?  I have found the internet (apart from this site!) an insufficient source of information.

Many thanks

Worried Guy

[Stephen Liroff, MD]

You asked some good questions!
The epididymus extends from the top of the testicle to the bottom and hugs the rear extent of the testis like the letter “C.” Cysts of the epididymus usually occur at the upper end and are in the epididymus. They usually are persistent and do not resolve spontaneously. If truly cysts, they are of no medical significance.
One can get tiny cysts of the tunica albugenia (covering of the testis) and these can occur anywhere on the surface. They are persistent in my experience and, again, are not significant.This sounds to be your situation. However, the lump does need to be watched. If it is growing, then you need to see a urologist. This last point is VERY significant. If in doubt, see a urologist sooner rather than later.
Given your size description, I doubt that an ultrasound would be able to “see” it at this point.
S.A.Liroff, M.D.