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.
KEMPS Skin Clinic provides Cyst treatment. You may
contact and take prior appointment for best treatment.