testicular appendage
Daniel Johnston
Updated on May 23, 2026
What causes testicular appendage torsion? Appendage torsion can happen at any time. It’s most likely to happen during sleep and is more likely in preteen boys. When the appendage gets twisted, it cuts off its own blood supply.
What does testicular appendage feel like?
Symptoms of testicular appendage torsion
Symptoms can include: Pain in one testicle, on one side of the scrotum. Swelling and redness of the scrotum. Scrotum that’s sore to the touch.
How is testicular appendage treated?
Torsion of a testicular appendage is generally a self-limiting condition and, as such, most cases receive conservative therapy. Conservative management includes bed rest, scrotal elevation, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and analgesics. The inflammation and pain usually resolve within one week.
Is testicular appendage common?
An appendix testis is a normal but useless piece of tissue on the testes (testicle). It’s present in about 80% of people designated male at birth. The tissue is left over from a duct that’s part of an embryo’s development. A testicular appendix can get twisted, usually in childhood, causing sharp pain.
Is appendix of epididymis normal?
Normally, epididymal appendices are of no clinical significance, but when torsed they can cause an acute scrotum in children 2.
Does appendix testis go away?
The appendix testis is a small piece of tissue attached to the testicle. It is left over from before birth. It’s a normal part of the system that creates female organs. Since it isn’t needed in boys, it may disappear.
What causes appendix epididymis?
The epididymal appendage, or the appendix epididymis, is a developmental remnant of the mesonephric duct that sprouts from the head of the epididymis. Due to its pedunculated anatomical configuration, the epididymal appendage is prone to torsion and can become a rare cause of an acute scrotum.
How do you get epididymal cyst?
Experts don’t know what causes epididymal cysts to form. In the case of a spermatocele, it may be caused by a blockage in the epididymis. This causes a backup of fluid and sperm. Epididymal cysts are common and harmless.
