Cysts
Cysts
A Cyst (/sɪst/; from the Ancient Greek kýstis "bladder, pouch") is a closed sac, having a distinct membrane and division compared to the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, a cyst could go away on its own or may have to be removed through surgery.
Etymology
The term cyst comes from the Ancient Greek word kýstis which means "bladder" or "pouch". This term is used in medical parlance to denote a sac-like structure that is not a normal part of the tissue where it is found.
Types of Cysts
There are hundreds of different types of cysts. They can occur anywhere in the body, and can vary in size. The most common types of cysts include:
- Sebaceous cyst: A small, noncancerous cyst that commonly appears on the torso, neck, and face.
- Ovarian cyst: A fluid-filled sac that develops on a woman's ovary.
- Breast cyst: A fluid-filled sac within the breast.
- Epidermoid cyst: A small, slow-growing, benign cyst usually found on the skin.
- Pilonidal cyst: A cyst that develops in the skin near the tailbone, and often contains hair and skin debris.
Causes
Cysts are common and can occur as a result of:
- Infections
- Genetic conditions
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Blockages in ducts caused by trauma
- Parasites
- Impact injuries that break vessels
Treatment
Treatment can vary depending on the type and location of the cyst. Some cysts can be left alone without treatment, while others require surgical removal. Some cysts can be drained, or aspirated, by inserting a needle or catheter into the cyst cavity, resulting in collapse of the cyst. Radiologic imaging may be used for guidance in draining (aspirating) cyst contents if the cyst is not easily accessible. Injection of a steroid medication may be useful in some cases to shrink the cyst.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cysts
- Wikipedia's article - Cysts
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