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What is the Treatment for Testicular Cysts?

Anna T.
Anna T.

The treatment for testicular cysts normally depends on the type of cyst. Some doctors advise leaving cysts alone that do not look suspicious to see if they go away on their own. Doctors occasionally use needles to pull fluid out of problematic cysts that are harmless but don't seem to become smaller over time. These cysts might also be surgically removed. There are some cancerous and pre-cancerous cysts that form on the testicles, and these are usually removed surgically as well. Even though many testicular cysts turn out to be harmless, men who find them should always see their doctors just to be on the safe side.

As soon as a cyst on the testicles is discovered, a doctor's visit and ultrasound will likely be necessary. The ultrasound should help a doctor determine the nature of the cyst, which may help him decide what type of treatment to pursue. Cysts on the testicles are often spermatoceles, which occur when sperm gets trapped inside a small fluid-filled sac just beneath the skin. Spermatoceles usually do not require treatment, and doctors often advise their patients to use the wait-and-see approach with this type of cyst. If the cyst does not become smaller or disappear over time, a patient may have to go back to see his doctor and have the cyst either drained or surgically removed.

Cancerous testicular cysts may require treatment with chemotherapy.
Cancerous testicular cysts may require treatment with chemotherapy.

Even though spermatoceles are usually not painful cysts, other types of testicular cysts are. If a cyst on the testicles is causing a man extreme pain, his doctor will probably go ahead and remove it surgically so that his patient can get some relief. Removing a cyst on the testicles is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning that a man usually does not have to stay overnight in the hospital. The procedure may be done inside the doctor's office with a local anesthetic. Recovery should be mostly complete within two weeks, at which point it may be necessary to return to the doctor's office for a follow-up visit.

Doctors usually have to examine biopsies on testicular cysts to determine whether they are cancerous.
Doctors usually have to examine biopsies on testicular cysts to determine whether they are cancerous.

Cysts on the testicles that are cancerous or pre-cancerous almost always have to be removed surgically. In addition to surgical removal, radiation or chemotherapy might also be necessary depending on how advanced the cancer is or if it has spread to other parts of the body. Doctors usually have to perform biopsies on testicular cysts to determine whether they are cancerous, but biopsies are typically not ordered unless the initial ultrasounds show results indicating the presence of cancerous masses. Most testicular cysts are not cancerous, but all cysts should be checked out by a doctor, regardless.

Discussion Comments

anon998772

Due to cancer I had my prostate removed, I had a non descended testicle for many years. I now have a Epididymal cyst on the testicle and am concerned. I don't want surgery unless the testicle is removed. Would a urologist remove it?

anon998718

I would prefer to have the testicle removed, would this be ill-advised?

anon987483

I have a cyst in my testicles that is not cancer. If you have it drained it will very probably fill back up. Leave well enough alone unless you just can't live with it.

anon972252

Is it true that once you remove your epididymal cyst or spermatocele you become infertile?

fBoyle

It's not true that a benign cyst which causes pain has to be surgically removed. You can choose not to have the surgery and take pain relievers when necessary. Many people have it removed, but unless there is testicular cancer, you don't have to.

fify

@burcidi-- Whether a cyst fill fill up with fluid again after having it drained depends on what kind of cyst it is. There are different types of cysts like hydrocele and spermatocele and I think hydroceles are the ones that can fill back up again. But you may be right about having them removed anyway because doctors really can't tell apart hydroceles from spermatoceles.

I suppose what they could do though is drain it first and then wait and see what happens. If it doesn't disappear, they might decide to remove it. But all of this is only done if the cyst causes discomfort or pain. A doctor is not going to want to remove a benign cyst that causes no discomfort whatsoever. There is no need for it.

burcidi

I think draining a cyst is not really helpful because it will fill up with fluid again and it's like you never had the treatment in the first place.

I know most men don't want to undergo surgery, but having a suspicious or stubborn cyst removed is probably the best way to go. Plus, it's such an easy procedure, my brother had a cyst removed last year. He came home the same day and was back at work the next week. It's a much better option than dealing with constant testicular pain.

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    • Cancerous testicular cysts may require treatment with chemotherapy.
      By: tawesit
      Cancerous testicular cysts may require treatment with chemotherapy.
    • Doctors usually have to examine biopsies on testicular cysts to determine whether they are cancerous.
      By: nandyphotos
      Doctors usually have to examine biopsies on testicular cysts to determine whether they are cancerous.
    • Cysts on the testicles always have to be removed surgically.
      By: Kot63
      Cysts on the testicles always have to be removed surgically.
    • A doctor should be consulted to hep determine the best treatment for testicular cysts.
      By: Burlingham
      A doctor should be consulted to hep determine the best treatment for testicular cysts.
    • Chemotherapy agents often have unpleasant or unwanted side effects.
      By: nebari
      Chemotherapy agents often have unpleasant or unwanted side effects.
    • Chemotherapy treatment may cause hair loss in some patients.
      By: prudkov
      Chemotherapy treatment may cause hair loss in some patients.
    • Men suffering with testicular cysts may experience nausea.
      By: dragon_fang
      Men suffering with testicular cysts may experience nausea.