Prostatic cysts can be classified as congenital cysts and acquired cysts. Among congenital cysts, there are two types: cysts that occur on the surface of the prostate, known as prostatic cysts, and cysts that are present within the prostate itself. The former is more common than the latter. So, what are the precautions for prostatic cysts?
【Dietary and Precautionary Measures for Prostatic Cysts】
1. Dietary precautions for prostatic cysts
Avoid consuming spicy and stimulating foods, as they can cause congestion of the reproductive organs and worsen symptoms of hemorrhoids and constipation, leading to increased pressure on the prostate and worsening difficulty with urination.
2. Other precautions for prostatic cysts
Pay attention to personal hygiene and wash the genital area every night. Maintain a positive and optimistic mindset and promptly release any negative emotions. Drink plenty of water, at least 7 cups (approximately 2000 ml) per day, and start the day by drinking a glass of water (70 ml) in the morning. Avoid prolonged sitting; get up and move around after sitting for about an hour.
【Diagnosis of Prostatic Cysts】
1. Seminal vesicle cysts: Symptoms may include frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty with urination. Rectal examination may reveal a cystic mass on the side of the prostate, which is usually a single, smooth, and well-defined structure. Seminal fluid may be present within the cyst. Retrograde ejaculation through the ipsilateral vas deferens or direct puncture and imaging through the perineum may show compression of the seminal vesicle, filling defects, and a circular shadow of the cyst.
2. Hydatid cysts: A cystic mass may be palpable in the prostate upon rectal examination. However, hydatid cysts occurring within the prostate are rare and most commonly found between the bladder and rectum or on the bladder wall, often adhering to the prostate. Eosinophilia may be present, and the hydatid antigen skin test or complement fixation test may be positive.
3. Prostatic sinus (diverticulum): This condition presents similar symptoms as prostatic cysts but has some differences. It tends to occur early in infants, children, and adolescents and is often associated with congenital abnormalities such as urethral stricture, cryptorchidism, and pseudohermaphroditism. Urethral imaging can show communication with the posterior urethra, and fluid can be discharged from the urethral meatus during rectal massage. It is also prone to infection.
【Other Auxiliary Examinations】
1. Cystoscopy may reveal a semicircular or pedunculated transparent lesion with a diameter of 1-2 cm protruding from the bladder neck. These are often acquired cysts.
2. X-ray examinations:
- Intravenous urography can detect urinary tract abnormalities such as renal agenesis.
- Urethral imaging does not show any abnormalities because the cysts do not communicate with the urethra.
3. Type B ultrasound examination: In the prostate area, a smooth-walled, well-defined, hypoechoic circular or elliptical sonolucent area can be found. Transrectal ultrasound shows a clear circular hypoechoic area extending posteriorly and superiorly from the central part of the prostate, resembling a teardrop shape, connected to the seminal vesicle by a small stalk.
4. CT scan: Large prostatic cysts and Mullerian duct cysts are located in the posterior midline of the prostate and appear as well-defined, round, cystic lesions with water-like density.
If the cyst is too large, cyst fluid can be aspirated through the rectum or perineum. Acquired cysts contain clear mucous fluid, which can be dark brown or bloody. Seminal fluid may also be present in the cyst.
