Common Tumors of Male Sex Organs

Common Tumors of Male Sex Organs
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Common tumors

Common tumors associated with male sex organs include Hydrocele, Varicocele and Spermatocele. Each topic is discussed in detail below.

Hydrocele

It is one of the most common forms of swelling found in the scrotum. In hydrocele thin watery fluid accumulates in the scrotal cavity thus causing swelling. It does not spread to other organs. The patient does not experience any pain or tenderness. Hydrocele is mostly found in newborns during birth. Adult males can also develop hydrocele due to inflammation of the epididymis or some injury. Hydrocele are generally of two types: communicating and non-communicating. Communicating hydrocele occurs when processus vaginalis fails to close. Non-communicating occurs when processus vaginalis closes due to some infection and accumulation of peritoneal fluid in the scrotal sac. Communicating hydrocele is seen in adults whereas non-communicating is found in newborns.

Diagnosis: It is diagnosed by holding a flash light behind the swelling, in a darkened room. If the light passes through the skin and fluid is seen clearly, it is definitely diagnosed as hydrocele.

Treatment: Excess fluid is taken out by using a large needle and syringe. Large hydrocele is removed by surgery.

Varicocele

Varicocele is a condition caused by swellings in the veins of spermatic cord. It is mostly seen in the age group of 13-18 years of age. Usually there are no symptoms in the early stag but patient may experience pain in the scrotum radiating to the pelvis and down to the inner side of the thigh. Symptoms usually occur after exercise, in hot weather or after standing for a long period. The patient experiences great discomfort. Varicocele can occur in one or both testis, but most commonly it occurs on the left side.

Treatment: Patient should rest in bed and apply cold compresses. Scrotal suspensory can help in relieving pain and discomfort. In severe cases, surgery is recommended.

Spermatocele

It is the swelling present in the upper pole of the epididymis. This swelling occurs due to accumulation of large quantities of sperm cells. It is small mass of collection of cells.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of spermatocele could be made by patient himself with self-examination.

Treatment: Small cysts are left untreated. Surgery is usually recommended in advanced cases associated with great discomfort and pain.

References

  • Evers JH, Collins J, Clarke J; Surgery or embolisation for varicoceles in subfertile men. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jul 16;(3):CD000479. [abstract]
  • Ficarra V, Cerruto MA, Liguori G, et al; Treatment of varicocele in subfertile men: The Cochrane Review–a contrary opinion. Eur Urol. 2006 Feb;49(2):258-63. Epub 2006 Jan 4. [abstract]