What should I do if I have an epididymal nodule?

Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

Updated on September 13, 2024

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Many patients who have suffered from epididymitis will have a hard, smooth-surfaced, slightly tender, or asymptomatic nodule left on the epididymis after the swelling subsides and pain is controlled. This type of nodule is also referred to as a negative nodule. These nodules are difficult to completely eliminate with antibiotics, or may not be eliminated at all.

If the patient does not have significant discomfort, no special treatment is necessary. If the presence of the nodule leads to recurrent inflammation or significant pain, affecting the patient's normal work and life, it may be considered to apply local heat or gently massage to promote the reduction of the nodule. If these treatments do not effectively improve the condition, it is recommended to surgically remove the nodule from the epididymis.

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Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

1min 4sec

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Epididymitis and orchitis, what is the difference?

The epididymis and testicles are both part of the male reproductive organs. The epididymis is an accessory gland of the testicle and is located adjacent to it. If epididymitis or orchitis occurs, it is difficult to distinguish between them based on symptoms alone, as both conditions can cause noticeable enlargement and pain of the scrotum, but further examination is required for a definitive diagnosis. During a physical examination, it can be observed that patients with epididymitis have a noticeably enlarged epididymis, while the enlargement of the testicle is not as prominent. Conversely, with orchitis, the testicle is significantly enlarged, while the enlargement of the epididymis is less noticeable. Since these two organs are adjacent, epididymitis often occurs with orchitis, and vice versa. Clarification typically requires examinations such as ultrasonography. However, there are no significant differences in the treatment of these two conditions, so they are often collectively referred to as epididymo-orchitis.

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Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

58sec

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epididymitis symptoms

The main clinical manifestations of epididymitis are significant enlargement of the epididymis accompanied by obvious pain. At the same time, the skin of the scrotum will be red and swollen, and the skin temperature will increase. If not treated promptly, the condition may further develop and possibly involve inflammation of the testis, and even lead to the possibility of testicular and epididymal abscesses. If a testicular or epididymal abscess occurs, touching the testis and epididymis will show a distinct fluctuation, and even an abscess rupture may occur, with pus visible on the skin of the scrotum and flowing out from within the scrotum. If these symptoms appear, it is necessary to promptly visit the hospital's urology department and use antibiotics for standard treatment. If an abscess has already formed, an abscess incision and drainage should be performed. (Specific medication use should be carried out under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Shen Jiang Chao

Radiology

47sec

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Epididymal cyst B-ultrasound manifestations

Epididymal cysts are formed due to the dilation of the efferent ductules and localized blockage of the epididymal duct, and they typically have characteristic appearances on ultrasound, showing as single or multiple anechoic areas. Epididymal cysts are usually located within the head of the epididymis and appear round or oval in shape with clear boundaries, varying in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters. The cyst walls are thin, with good internal sound transmission, and there are generally no significant blood flow signals inside the cysts. Some parts of the cyst walls may calcify, appearing as strong echoic shadows. Epididymal cysts are a type of benign lesion.

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Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

1min 9sec

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How is epididymitis caused?

Epididymitis refers to the inflammation of the epididymis, characterized by enlargement and pain, caused by infections from pathogens such as bacteria. The main cause of epididymitis is usually a preceding infection such as urethritis, bacterial prostatitis, or vesiculitis that was not timely treated. Bacteria spread along the vas deferens to the epididymis, leading to epididymitis. Additionally, trauma to the epididymis can also cause epididymitis. Another common scenario is related to certain medical procedures, such as prolonged catheterization or after undergoing plasma electrocautery surgery of the prostate, which can easily lead to epididymitis. Once epididymitis occurs, it is crucial to promptly treat it with antibiotics. During treatment, it is advisable to consume a light diet, avoid spicy and stimulating food, rest as much as possible in bed, and keep the scrotum elevated. (Specific medication usage should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Wang Shuai

Urology

53sec

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Why is epididymitis getting more painful?

After suffering from epididymitis, the epididymis will show symptoms of enlargement and pain. If not treated promptly, the epididymis will further enlarge, and the pain will gradually become more pronounced, which is a normal phenomenon. However, if the pain continues to worsen despite active treatment, it should be considered that this may be due to a lack of attention to lifestyle care, such as engaging in vigorous exercise during treatment, or situations involving prolonged standing or sitting. Additionally, it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of testicular torsion accompanying epididymitis. Therefore, if the pain continues to worsen during the treatment of epididymitis, it is advisable to promptly re-examine the color Doppler ultrasound to understand the blood flow situation of the testicles and epididymis, and then proceed with targeted treatment.