Testis - Spermatocele

A spermatocele refers to the cystic accumulation or impaction of spermatozoa in a seminiferous tubule or duct causing it to increase to more than twice its normal diameter. If the diameter is less than this, the term “sperm stasis” should be used (see Testis - Sperm Stasis ). If the accumulation is accompanied by an inflammatory reaction, the term “sperm granuloma” should be used (see Testis - Sperm Granuloma ). Spermatoceles occur more commonly in the epididymis, but they are also sometimes seen within the testis, and particularly within the subcapsular rete testis of the mouse (Figure 1, asterisk and Figure 2). Spermatoceles can occur in association with reduced fluid absorption in the efferent ducts leading to sperm impaction and obstruction within the rete testis and adjacent seminiferous tubules. This can be a chemically induced finding, but in general spermatoceles are incidental, age-related findings. An association between age-related germ cell degeneration and spermatocele formation has been described.