Epididymal cysts in children: natural history

PURPOSE: We reviewed the outcome of conservative management of epididymal cyst in children at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of all patients with epididymal cyst from 1991 to 2002. Age and mode of presentation as well as time to complete involution of the cysts were studied. Diagnosis of epididymal cyst was confirmed by scrotal ultrasound in all cases. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were identified with epididymal cyst. Average patient age at presentation was 10.5 years. Fifteen patients presented with scrotal mass and 4 with scrotal pain. Cysts were between 3 and 30 mm. Only 1 patient required surgical excision due to persistent pain. Epididymal cysts resolved in 10 patients who completed followup. Average time to complete regression was 17 months. None of our patients had a history of exposure to diethylstilbestrol, cryptorchidism, cystic fibrosis or von Hippel-Lindau disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings imply that most epididymal cysts involute with time.