Facts About Cyst You Should Know

A cyst is a pocket of tissues that contains fluid, gases, semisolid or other substances. It is a membranous tissue with a sac-like structure and can grow on any part of the body or under the skin. They are of different types; they differ in sizes from big to small and can affect both the outer skin of the human body and the internal organs of the human body. A cyst is an unusual growth on the skin and on internal organs of the body that come as a lump or bump. Some of these cysts do not require medical attention. They disappear on their own. However, some cysts require medical attention and, if possible surgical removal.

Their different sizes range from very tiny to very large. When they turn out to be very large, they can outgrow vital internal organs. The study states that some of these cysts can be cancerous. A cyst is an abnormal growth and is not a part of the human body. The tissues covering the content of the bump is known as the cyst wall. Cysts are usually hard in some cases, and if in any case a cyst turns out to be soft and contain pus, then the cyst is said to be infected, and this would lead to a condition known as an abscess.

Cysts are common and can be of various types. Different factors can lead to a cyst. Despite being lumps that grow within and outside the body, they are noncancerous. Nonetheless, it is still advisable to visit a doctor if the cyst is noticed on any part of the body for a close examination in order to ensure it is not infected.

Types

The following are the most usual types of cyst.

• Acne Cyst

Also known as nodulocystic acne is a chronic kind of acne whereby the pores of the face skin get clogged or blocked, leading to inflammation, infection, and growth of a cyst.

• Arachnoid Cyst

This kind of cyst is common among newborns. The arachnoid tissue covers the newborn’s brain. During the development of the fetus, the arachnoid membrane splits and forms a sac of cerebrospinal fluid. In some of these arachnoid cyst cases, the Doctor might have to drain the cyst.

• Baker Cyst

This cyst is majorly associated with the knee joints and is common in people suffering from arthritis. This occurs when there is a swelling behind the knee and can cause pain when the knee is moved while walking or engagement in physical activities. This kind of cyst comes with the feeling of tightness, lump, or bulge behind the knee and can be quite painful at any slight movement of the knee.

• Bartholin’s Cyst

It occurs in the core of the Bartholin glands, which is located in the vagina. These glands get blocked and may require medical attention. In most Bartholin cyst cases, surgery is recommended.

• Breast Cyst

The most common kind of internal cyst is the breast cyst. It is usually painful and causes the breasts to be tender due to the fact that the breast is a delicate and sensitive tissue. Breast cysts in females change in size and even disappear with time. However, a doctor might need to drain the cyst if it causes discomfort.

According to medical practitioners, cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer, and that there is a tiny chance that complex cysts would lead to cancer or increase a person’s risks of having cancer later on. All of these are determined by the results of the biopsy.

• Chalazion Cyst

This occurs when the ducts in the eyelid that lubricates the eyes are clogged or blocked. These ducts are known as meibomian glands. They lubricate the eyes and can be clogged or blocked. With them being blocked, it means there is an impending cyst.

• Colloid Cyst

The colloid kind of cyst is very delicate and requires surgical removal. It develops in a part of the brain and requires urgent medical attention.

• Dentigerous Cyst

Dentigerous cyst grows on the crown of the tooth and can disappear over time. However, if it causes pain, it is advised to visit a doctor for treatment.

• Dermoid Cyst

This cyst consists of sweat glands, fat, clumps of long hair, hair follicles, cartilage, thyroid tissue, and matured skin.

• Epididymal Cyst

The epididymal cyst develops in the vessels that are attached to the testes. It is a common kind of cyst among men and does not in any way affect their fertility status. It is also known as spermatoceles, surgical removal is recommended if it causes discomfort.

• Ganglion Cyst

This is a harmless and tiny kind of cyst that grows behind some joints and over some tendons. These ones appear on the wrist and ankles, on the knee, hand, or foot as well.

• Hydatid Cyst

Hydatid cyst develops as a result of tapeworms and their adverse effects on the human body. The cyst forms on the liver and lungs, and treatment of such cysts include surgical removal.

• Pillar Cyst

Pillar cyst develops in the hair follicles on the scalp.

• Kidney Cyst

There are different types of kidney cyst. It can otherwise be called a renal cyst. This cyst contains fluids, which include blood. Some of these kidney cysts develop at birth, while others are caused by blockage of some tubules and glands. Some other renal cysts develop as a result of the dilation of the renal blood vessels, and this is common among people with renal disease.

• Ovarian Cyst

This is a common cyst among females who experience regular periods. This cyst forms during ovulation. They can be tiny in some cases, while in other cases, they can be so big that the stomach protrudes as a result of that.

• Pancreatic Cyst

Medical professionals refer to pancreatic cyst as pseudocyst because they do not believe it is a true cyst because they do not possess the cells contained in other kinds of a cyst. They only possess cells that are already present in organs such as the intestines and stomach.

• Vocal Fold Cyst

This kind of cyst interferes with a person’s speech. The vocal fold cyst is of two types, namely, the mucus retention cyst and the epidermoid cyst. The vocal cord interference leads to the following;

Multiple tones in the person’s voice at the same time

Breathy speech

Voice hoarseness

Causes

• Cysts are common and can grow on any part of the body. They come as a result of clogged glands, infection of certain piercings.
• Other causes of cyst include;
• Tumor
• Cell defect
• Severe inflammatory conditions
• Genetic disorders
• Faulty organ or embryo development
• Blockage of some glands like the sebaceous gland
• Damaged tissue of injury
• Cysts do not cause pain except they are punctured, inflamed, or infected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a cyst depend on the type it is. The most encountered and obvious symptom is the observation of an unusual lump, especially when the lump is beneath the skin. Some cysts like the ones that develop on the internal organs might not produce any symptoms; they might not be noticed until a scan is carried out. Cysts in the brain cause headaches, while cyst in the breast causes pain.

Treatment

• The treatment of the cyst depends on the factor that caused the cyst, the location of the cyst, the size of the cyst, and the level of discomfort the cyst causes.
• Some cysts disappear on their own, while some require medical attention and surgery due to their location, size, and degree of discomfort.
• Treating a cyst involves draining its fluid content by inserting a needle into it. When the fluid is extracted, the medical professional examines it to ensure there are no cancerous cells present in the fluid. If there are cancerous cells present, there would be an urgent need for surgical removal of the cyst wall and biopsy.
• In other cases where the cyst is caused by an underlying health issue, during treatment, the underlying health issue is more focused on than the cyst itself. When the root cause of the cyst is removed, the cyst ceases to exist.

In summary, cysts are quite an unpainful swelling that can develop both within and outside the body. They disappear over time, and some which are extremely big to have covered some vital organs within the body, cause discomfort, and are cancerous are removed through surgery. However, it is important to speak with medical professionals if symptoms are observed.