From the Research
An epidermoid scrotal cyst is a benign, slow-growing sac filled with keratin that develops beneath the skin of the scrotum. These cysts form when epidermal cells move deeper into the skin and multiply rather than shedding at the surface, as noted in a case report of a testicular epidermoid cyst 1. They typically appear as round, firm lumps under the scrotal skin that may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
Key Characteristics
- Most epidermoid scrotal cysts don't require treatment unless they become infected, painful, or cosmetically bothersome.
- If treatment is needed, complete surgical excision is the standard approach to prevent recurrence, performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure, as suggested by a study on testicular epidermoid cysts 2.
- Incision and drainage may provide temporary relief but won't remove the cyst wall, making recurrence likely.
- These cysts are not cancerous and don't affect fertility, but any new scrotal mass should be evaluated by a healthcare provider to rule out more serious conditions like testicular cancer, as emphasized in a report on a rare case of testicular epidermoid cyst 3.
Diagnosis and Prevention
- Good scrotal hygiene can help prevent infection of existing cysts, though it won't prevent their formation which is related to trapped skin cells.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial to prevent unnecessary radical orchiectomy, as highlighted in a study on testicular epidermoid cysts 1.
- Ultrasound and MRI findings can aid in the diagnosis of scrotal epidermoid cysts, as described in a case report 4.
Treatment Approach
- Complete surgical excision under local anesthesia is the recommended treatment approach for epidermoid scrotal cysts that require intervention, based on the most recent and highest quality study available 2.
- This approach ensures the removal of the cyst wall, preventing recurrence and minimizing the risk of complications.