A cyst is a closed capsule or sac-like structure, usually filled with liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material. Cysts usually occur within almost any type of the body's tissue; they vary in size from microscopic to large structures that can displace internal organs. Although cysts can also refer to any normal bag or sac formation in the body, in this article, we will use the definition stated above and consider it to be an abnormal formation. Consequently, the cysts discussed below are not normal parts of the body. They have distinct membranes or cyst walls.
Different types of Cysts?
There are hundreds of different types of cysts. Cysts can occur almost anywhere in the body (for example, on the face, scalp or back, behind the knee, arm, groin, and within organs like the liver, ovaries, kidneys, or brain).
· Epidermoid (sebaceous) cyst: usually benign swelling in the skin arising in the sebaceous gland, typically filled with yellowish sebum. These are usually easily seen as they lead to a swelling of the skin. If they become large enough, they can be unsightly and cause pain.
· Breast cyst: a fluid-filled sac within the breast. Breast cysts should always be evaluated to assure that they are a benign cyst and not another growth.
· Ganglion cyst or synovial cyst: a non-neoplastic soft-tissue collection that may occur in any joint
· Dermoid cyst: an abnormal growth containing epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands, derived from residual embryonic cells
· Ovarian cyst: an accumulation of fluid within or on the surface of an ovary; also termed adnexal cysts
· PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome): enlarged ovaries due to an endocrine problem that contain a number of fluid-filled cysts (follicles)
· Baker cyst: a benign swelling of the membranous synovial bursa behind in the knee; also known as a popliteal cyst
· Bartholin cyst: formed when a Bartholin gland (at the opening of the vagina) is blocked. A Bartholin cyst can be very painful.
· Arachnoid cyst: a collection of cerebrospinal fluid covered by arachnoid cells and collagen that develops between the surface of the brain in the cranial base or on the arachnoid membrane
· Epididymal cyst: extratesticular spherical cysts in the head of the epididymis
· Labial cyst: any fluid-filled cyst in the labia
· Sebaceous cyst: a small, noncancerous cyst that commonly appears on the torso, neck, and face
· Pilonidal cyst: a cyst that contains hair and skin debris near or on the cleft of the buttocks; also known as jeep driver's disease
· Pineal cyst: a fluid-filled body in the pineal gland (of the brain)
· Thyroglossal cyst: a fibrous cyst that forms from a persistent thyroglossal duct
· Synovial cyst: also known as a ganglion cyst, is a soft-tissue lump that may occur in any joint
· Branchial cleft cyst: a cyst composed of epithelial cells that arise on the lateral part of the neck due to congenital failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft
· Choroid plexus cyst: small cysts composed of cerebrospinal fluid trapped by spongy brain cells
· Hydatid cyst: Echinococcus spp. tapeworm (larval stage) surrounded by epithelial cells in an organ
· Mucous cyst: a thin sac containing clear fluid that may be found on the lips, mouth, and occasionally in other areas of the body
· Pancreatic cyst: sac-like pockets of fluid within the pancreas. Technically, they aren't cysts because they are lined with scar or inflammatory tissue and therefore they are usually referred to as pseudocysts.
· Testicular cysts: fluid-filled cysts in the testicles
· Thyroid cysts: Also called a Thyroid Modules, they may be fluid filled or contain some solid components; most are benign but a few may contain malignant components.
Causes a cyst:
There are many causes of cyst formation. The following are some of the major causes of cyst formation:
· Genetic conditions
· Tumors
· Infections
· Errors in embryonic development
· Cellular defects
· Chronic inflammatory conditions
· Blockages of ducts in the body
· Parasites
· Injuries
Treatment for a cyst:
The treatment for a cyst depends on the underlying cause of the cyst and whether or not the cyst is causing the patient problems. As stated previously, many cysts are benign and require no treatment. However, large cysts can result in symptoms due to compression of normal tissue and obstruction of ducts. Some of these cysts can be treated by simply aspirating the cyst contents through a needle or catheter, thereby collapsing the cyst.
Other cysts require surgical removal (some cysts like ovarian cysts can be removed by laparoscopic surgery), especially if there's any suspicion of malignancy. In general, cysts that cause symptoms are treated by draining them and/or removing them surgically; medical treatment is usually limited to reducing associated symptoms of their underlying cause(s). Individuals should discuss with their doctors about the best methods to use to get rid of their cysts.
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