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It is very common to experience lumps and swellings in your testicles and scrotum, and much of the time these will be caused by something benign (non-cancerous).
Two of the most common types of benign scrotal lumps are hydroceles and epididymal cysts. A hydrocele is where fluid builds up in the sheath around a testicle. An epididymal cyst is where fluid collects in the epididymis, which is a tube-like structure that stores sperm.
If you feel a lump in your testicle, or notice a change in the scrotal area, it's important to have it examined by a doctor in order to rule out anything serious. Although it will usually be nothing to worry about, scrotal lumps and swellings can also be a sign of testicular cancer, so you should always get them checked out.
If you have a benign scrotal cyst or lump and it isn't causing you any significant symptoms, you may not need any treatment. However, if you find that it is affecting your life, for example if it's painful or if you find the look of it embarrassing or upsetting, scrotal cyst removal surgery could be the right choice for you.
At Circle Health Group, we offer fast access to private surgery for benign scrotal lumps, performed by expert consultant surgeons across our 50+ UK hospitals. To find out how we can help you, give us a call or book online for an appointment with one of our specialist consultants.
The main benefit of scrotal cyst removal surgery is that it can remove any awkward or painful symptoms that are being caused by the lump in your testicles. For some people, benign scrotal lumps cause pain or soreness, and can even begin to interfere with the way they walk. This is especially true if you have a very large cyst.
Surgery to remove the lump surgery will ease any discomfort you may have and make it easier for you to walk.
The other benefit of surgery to remove benign scrotal lumps is cosmetic. This is very important for some people, who find their confidence is affected badly by the appearance of their cyst or cysts, again this is more common if the lump is large.
Surgery won't be the right choice for everyone, however, even if you do have symptoms. If you want to have children, it is best to leave an epididymal cyst alone. Surgery in the area of the epididymis can cause scarring which reduces your fertility.
One possible alternative to surgery is a procedure that uses a needle to drain the fluid from your cyst. Although this provides instant relief, the fluid typically builds up again inside the cyst, so it’s not always a long-term solution, though in some instances it is possible to inject a drug that stops the fluid from coming back.
If you don’t have any difficult symptoms caused by your scrotal lump, your consultant will probably suggest that you leave it as it is, rather than have surgery unnecessarily.
Surgery to remove benign scrotal lumps is usually performed under general anaesthetic , which means you'll be asleep and you won't feel anything. Sometimes a spinal anaesthetic is used, which numbs your body from the waist down. In this instance you may also be given a sedative so that you are relaxed during your operation. The procedure usually takes between twenty and fifty minutes.
Your surgeon will begin by making a small incision into your scrotum. For a hydrocele, your surgeon will remove the fluid from the sheath and either remove the sheath or stitch it together. For an epididymal cyst, your surgeon will either remove the cyst whole or they will cut away the 'roof' of the cyst and drain the fluid out.
You should be able to go home the same day or the day after. At first, you will need to take it easy, avoid heavy lifting and strenuous exercise, and be sure to get lots of rest as you heal. Most men can return to normal activities within two to four weeks.
You won’t be able to drive yourself home from the hospital, and it won’t be safe to be behind the wheel again until you can perform an emergency stop with no pain. Speak to your consultant about the likely timeline for this, and be sure to get in touch with your insurance provider, too. Different companies have different policies about when you’re safe to start driving again.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
With a hydrocele, if you have the cyst surgically removed, this will usually cure the problem. However it’s always possible that the fluid can build up again.
With epididymal cysts, people typically have more than one, and surgery can only treat the larger ones. If the smaller ones get bigger, the problem will come back.
The cost of surgery for hydrocele removal
Please be aware that the following prices are a guide price. Your final price will be confirmed in writing following your consultation and any necessary diagnostic tests.
| Patient pathway | Initial consultation | Diagnostic Investigations | Main treatment | Post discharge care | Guide price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital fees | N/A | Not included | £3,400 | Included | £3,400 |
| Consultants fees from | £200 | N/A | Included | Included | £200 |
| Guide price | £3,600 | ||||
When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
- The freedom to choose which hospital and Consultant suit your needs
- Personalised, Consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
- Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
- Support by the same compassionate clinical team from beginning to end
- Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
- Flexible payment options to spread the cost of your care
If you would like to learn more about this procedure, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0141 300 5009.
Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in January 2023. Next review due January 2026.
- Testicular lump, NHS
- Testicular lumps and swellings, NHS Inform
- Excision of epididymal cyst, NHS
