Cysts – types, symptoms and treatment. How are cysts formed?

Proven content

Cysts are closed cavities usually filled with liquid, semi-solid, or gaseous material, as are blisters. Cysts vary in size, ranging from microscopic to very large. Very large cysts can displace internal organs. Most are benign, but some cysts can be cancerous or precancerous. A cyst is not a normal part of the tissue it is in. It has a distinct membrane and is separate from nearby tissue. If it is filled with pus, the cyst is infected and will turn into an abscess.

What is a cyst?

A cyst, also known as a cyst, is a closed sac that has a distinct shell and division compared to nearby tissue. Consequently, it is a cluster of cells that have grouped together to form a bag (similar to the way water molecules group together to form a bubble); however, a distinctive aspect of the cyst is that the cells that make up the “shell” of such a pouch are clearly abnormal (both in appearance and behavior) compared to all surrounding cells at a given location.

The cyst may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. The collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst may resolve on its own. When the cyst persists, surgical removal may be necessary, but this depends on the type and location of the cyst.

Cancer cysts form as an organism’s defense mechanism following the development of mutations that lead to uncontrolled cell division. After this mutation occurs, the affected cells continue to divide and become cancerous, forming a tumor. The body surrounds these cells to prevent them from dividing further and to stop the tumor from becoming a cyst.

It should be added, however, that cancer cells can still mutate further and gain the ability to form their own blood vessels from which they receive food before being stopped. When this happens, the cyst sheath becomes unusable and the tumor can turn from benign to cancerous.

See also: Melanoma – a dangerous tumor visible to the eye

How are cysts formed?

Cysts are common and can occur anywhere on the body. They are often the result of infections, clogged sebaceous glands or piercings.

Some other common causes of cysts include:

1. tumors;
2. genetic predispositions;
3. damage to the organ of the developing embryo;
4. defect in cells;
5. chronic inflammation;
6. blockages in the body causing fluid to build up
7. parasites;
8. trauma that damages blood vessels.

In most cases, cysts are painful unless they rupture, become infected, or become inflamed.

Cyst – symptoms

The signs and symptoms of a cyst will vary greatly depending on the type of cyst. In many cases, the first thing you notice is the abnormal lump, especially if the cyst is just below the skin.

Many internal cysts, such as those found in the kidneys or liver, may not cause any symptoms at all. They can go unnoticed until an imaging scan – such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound – detects them. If a cyst develops in the brain, it can cause headaches and other symptoms. Breast cysts can also cause pain.

See also: Mastopathy – what is it? Symptoms and Treatment

Cyst – types of cysts

Cysts can develop in different parts of the body and come from different origins. The most common types of cysts are listed below.

Types of cysts – cystic acne

Cystic or nodular acne is a severe type of acne in which the pores of the skin become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation. Cystic changes are characteristic of this type of acne. The cysts are filled with purulent and bloody contents.

Types of cysts – arachnoid cyst

Arachnoid cysts can affect newborns. The arachnoid membrane covers the brain. During fetal development, it doubles or ruptures, creating an abnormal pocket of cerebrospinal fluid. In some cases, you may need to empty the cyst.

Types of cysts – Baker’s cyst

Baker’s cysts are also called popliteal cysts. A person with a Baker’s cyst often experiences a bulging and tight feeling behind the knee. Pain may worsen as you straighten your knee or exercise. Baker’s cysts usually develop due to problems with the knee joint, such as arthritis or cartilage damage.

Types of cysts – Bartholin’s cysts

Bartholin gland cysts can occur if the ducts of the Bartholin gland that are inside the vagina become blocked. Your doctor may recommend surgery or prescribe antibiotics.

Types of cysts – breast cysts

Breast cysts are common and can be painful, but usually do not require any treatment. In women, these cysts can develop or change size during the menstrual cycle and often disappear on their own. However, your doctor may drain the fluid if they cause discomfort. Simple cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It can be said that there is a small chance that complex cysts may contain cancer or increase the risk of cancer later, depending on the results of the biopsy.

Types of cysts – eyelid cysts

Very small eyelid glands, known as the meibomian glands, produce a lubricant that comes out of small holes at the edges of the eyelids. Here, too, cysts can form if the ducts are blocked, then we are talking about a chalazion.

Types of cysts – colloid cysts

Colloid cysts develop in the brain and contain a jelly-like substance. Doctors often recommend surgical removal as a treatment.

Types of cysts – tooth cysts

Such cysts surround the crown of an un-erupted tooth.

Types of cysts – cutaneous cysts

Cutaneous cysts include mature skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and clumps of long hair, as well as adipose, bone, cartilage, and thyroid tissue.

Types of cysts – epididymic cysts

An epididymal cyst is a lesion within the epididymis caused by a blockage in the sperm outflow tract. This type of cyst is common and usually does not impair fertility or require treatment. However, if it causes discomfort, your doctor may suggest surgery.

Types of cysts – ganglion

Ganglions are small, harmless cysts that form on or near a joint or tendon cover. They usually develop on the wrist, but can also appear on the hand, foot, ankle, or knee.

Types of cysts – echinococcosis

Cysts develop because of a relatively small tapeworm. These cysts form in the lungs or liver. Treatment options include surgery and medications.

Types of cysts – kidney cysts

There are several types of kidney cysts. Single cysts contain fluids, sometimes including blood. Some are present from birth, while other tubular obstructions are caused. People with vascular kidney disease may have cysts that result from dilation of blood vessels.

Types of cysts – ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are common in women who have regular periods. They are formed during ovulation. Most ovarian cysts are benign and cause no symptoms. However, some may become so large that they begin to put pressure on the abdomen.

Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to a situation where many small cysts develop in the ovaries.

Types of cysts – pancreatic cysts

Most healthcare professionals do not consider pancreatic cysts to be true cysts. Instead, they call them “pseudocysts” because they do not contain the types of cells present in real cysts. They can include cells normally present in other organs such as the stomach or intestines.

Types of cysts – periapical cysts

Periapical cysts, also called radicular cysts, are the most common type of odontogenic cysts that are associated with the formation and development of teeth. These cysts usually develop due to pulpitis, pulp death, or caries.

Types of cysts – Pilar cysts

Pilaar cysts are also known as sebaceous cysts. These are fluid-filled cysts that arise from hair follicles and usually develop on the scalp.

Types of cysts – hair cysts

Hair cysts form on the skin near the coccyx or lower back and sometimes contain ingrown hairs. These cysts can grow in clusters, which sometimes create a hole or cavity in the skin.

Types of cysts – pineal gland cysts

These are benign cysts that form in the pineal gland of the brain. According to a 2007 study, pineal cysts are quite common.

Types of cysts – sebaceous cysts

People use the term “sebaceous cyst” to describe a type of cyst that occurs on the skin of the face, back, scalp, or scrotum. Cysts in these locations can be epidermal or blistering cysts, although doctors can only tell a difference after the cyst is removed and analyzed.

Types of cysts – Tarlov cysts

Tarlov cysts – also known as perineural or sacral nerve root cysts – are located at the base of the spine and are filled with cerebrospinal fluid.

Types of cysts – a cyst on the vocal cords

There are two types of cysts on the vocal cords: mucus-trapping cysts and epidermal cysts. Cysts on the vocal cords can interfere with a person’s speech quality, sometimes causing the vocal cords to produce:

1. many tones at once, called diplophonia;
2. dysphonia;
3. hoarseness.

See also: Chronic inflammatory diseases of the larynx

Cyst – diagnosis

Some cysts are easily felt by a doctor, especially if they are located on the skin or in organs that can be easily felt, such as the thyroid gland. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, X-ray, CT, and MRI are very useful in finding cysts. In addition, needle biopsies are sometimes used to determine if the malignant tissue is associated with a cyst-like structure. In addition, a needle biopsy may be used to reduce the size of the cyst.

See also: Hypothyroidism – what is it like and how to treat it?

Treatment of cysts

Treatment options for cysts will depend on a number of factors including the type of cyst, its location, its size, and the degree of discomfort it causes.

For very large cysts that are causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical removal. Occasionally, a cyst may be drained or aspirated by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity. If a cyst is not readily available, your doctor may use radiographic imaging to accurately guide the needle or catheter.

Many cysts develop as a result of a chronic or underlying medical condition, such as fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome. In these cases, treatment will focus on the condition itself, not the cyst.

See also: Catheterization – indications, insertion, hygiene

Home remedies for cysts

Self-treatment by squeezing or piercing the cyst is not recommended as this may exacerbate the cause of the cyst in some people; in addition, it may cause the cyst to become enlarged or infected.

There are many home remedies to treat certain types of cysts. Most people use topical treatments like tea tree oil, aloe vera, castor oil, and many other compounds to rupture the cysts. However, check with your doctor before using these over-the-counter home cyst remedies.

See also: Essential oils – properties, application, types of oils

What is the prognosis for cysts?

The prognosis for a cyst depends on its cause and sometimes its size. Most cysts are small and benign; they do not require treatment and have a good prognosis. However, cysts that are associated with infectious agents, or contain malignant cells, or are large enough to disrupt normal body functions, have a worse prognosis.

Some benign but large cysts may have a good prognosis but may require surgery or aspiration to reduce or eliminate symptoms. The cysts may recur; This can happen with some cysts as soon as their contents are reduced or removed and the shell or lining of the cyst remains.

Cysts – prevention

Most cysts cannot be prevented; however, if the underlying cause of the cyst is prevented, the formation of cysts (for example, cysts caused by infectious agents) can also be prevented.

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