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Epididymal cyst in children

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Abstract

The terms “epididymal cyst” and “spermatocele” are commonly used to describe the same entity, but, conversely, they are slightly different. Epididymal cyst is a benign mass, and it is more common than previously thought in prepubertal age. Pathogenic mechanisms for epididymal cyst have not been fully clarified yet, even if epididymal cysts have been reported in association with other malformations of the urinary tract or complex syndromes. Epididymal cyst is easily characterized and differentiated from spermatocele using ultrasound imaging. Conservative management constitutes the treatment of choice in the majority of cases, and surgery is recommended only in selected cases.

Conclusion: To date, a review on epididymal cyst in childhood is lacking in the literature. Herein, an overview of knowledge about epididymal cyst in children has been carried out with particular attention to differential diagnosis, proper management, and practice guidelines for caregivers of children who may present with an epididymal cyst.

What is Known:

• Epididymal cyst is a benign sac in the testicles which is usually asymptomatic.

• Epididymal cyst is easily diagnosed by ultrasound scans, and it is considered a self-limiting disease in the majority of cases.

What is New:

• Insight on differential diagnosis between epididymal cyst and spermatocele.

• Valuable knowledge on the best management strategy for epididymal cyst and on practice guidelines for parents of children presenting with epididymal cyst.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Sir Massimo Tomadin for his support with the illustrations enclosed in this article and Sir Kevin J.C. Gibson for his help to further improve language quality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatric Surgery and Urology, Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, via dell’Istria, 65/1, 34137, Trieste, Italy

    Alessandro Boscarelli

  2. Pediatric Emergency Room and Emergency Medicine Unit, Giannina Gaslini Children’s Hospital and Research Institute, Genoa, Italy

    Tommaso Bellini

Authors
  1. Alessandro Boscarelli
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  2. Tommaso Bellini
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Contributions

Dr. Alessandro Boscarelli conceptualized the study, collected data, and drafted the initial manuscript. Dr. Tommaso Bellini has integrated and reviewed the final manuscript. The authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

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Correspondence to Alessandro Boscarelli.

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Communicated by Piet Leroy

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Boscarelli, A., Bellini, T. Epididymal cyst in children. Eur J Pediatr 180, 2723–2729 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-021-04080-5

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