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Atheromas (sebaceous cysts)

White spots on the testicles

An atheroma is a small, white change in the skin of the scrotum. Due to a blockage of the sebaceous gland outlet, the skin oil can no longer drain away. This results in a cyst-like bulge in the skin. Atheromas larger than 1 cm in diameter are perceived as bothersome and can be removed in a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthesia.

When should you see a doctor about spots on the testicles?

A medical examination is advisable if:

many atheromas form
the changes become larger (e.g. over 1 cm)
symptoms or signs of inflammation occur

Removal is carried out by means of a minor surgical procedure. The atheroma is excised in a spindle shape and the skin is sutured with a self-dissolving thread. As a rule, the wound heals without complications.

FAQs on atheromas

White, cyst-like bulges in the skin of the scrotum form lumps that are perceived as bothersome. They usually only occur sporadically; in some cases they occur in large numbers.

As a rule, atheromas are harmless as long as they remain small (less than about 1 cm) and only occur in isolated places. However, if there are larger or numerous changes, surgical removal may be advisable.

The skin of the scrotum is supplied with skin oil by numerous sebaceous glands. This oil serves as a protective layer and prevents the skin from drying out. The sebaceous glands are invisibly integrated into the skin of the scrotum and are distributed over the entire surface. If the opening of a sebaceous gland becomes inflamed, the outlet becomes blocked, the sebum accumulates and an atheroma forms. This becomes problematic especially if the sebaceous gland also becomes infected with bacteria. In such cases, the atheroma is removed surgically.

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Atheroma

Many men notice small white spots or lumps on the scrotum and wonder: is this dangerous? Do I need to see a doctor? These are often so-called atheromas.

In this video, Sven Lahme uses sketches to explain how atheromas develop, what symptoms are typical and how to distinguish them from other skin changes.