A cyst is a small sac that can grow on the skin, organs, and other body tissues. There are hundreds of different types of cysts, most of which are harmless. However, in some rare cases, these structures can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a hormonal imbalance or cancer.
What fills a sac determines whether it is a cyst, an abscess, or a tumor. Cysts are usually filled with fluid, such as skin oil, although they can also contain air, water, or semi-solid matter from the body. Abscesses are often the result of infection and contain pus. Tumors are usually filled with body tissue.
Causes
Small bumps on the skin often develop when oil or other fluids cannot flow freely from the body. Many harmless skin cysts occur when hair follicles become damaged or blocked. Oil-secreting glands known as sebaceous glands can also rupture and become blocked, preventing oil from being shed normally. Most lumps caused by blocked glands or follicles are benign, meaning they're usually harmless and not a sign of a more serious problem, such as cancer.
Hormonal imbalances can sometimes cause sacs to grow on internal organs. Breast and ovarian cysts are often related to an imbalance in estrogen, which can disrupt ovulation cycles and cause excessive tissue growth. These conditions can sometimes be treated with hormone therapy.
Some medical professionals believe that chronic inflammation or trauma can also cause some types of cysts to grow in body tissue. While the exact role these factors play is unclear, some experts suggest that injuries can cause the membranes that cover joints and organs to deplete, allowing cysts to form more easily. Infections in the body can also have a similar effect, causing a breakdown of tissue that leads to fluid-filled sacs.
In some cases, a cyst can form while a baby is developing in the womb. This can sometimes signify organ disorders, as they tend to appear in organs that are not developing properly. Similarly, genetic conditions such as Gardner Syndrome, in which polyps, tumors, and cysts form throughout the body, or inherited genetic mutations can increase a person's risk of developing these growths.
Occasionally, cysts can be related to tumors. They can appear on top of developing growths, or form on the organs themselves. Although the tumors can be cancerous, many varieties are actually harmless.
Symptoms
When skin cysts develop, the most common symptom is a small lump or bump. These growths are usually small and match the color of the skin, although some may appear red and irritated. They can come and go on their own or persist for weeks. Many skin cysts are painless and cause no other symptoms; however, one that grows in a joint, such as behind the knee, can cause pain or irritation.
Breast tissue cysts are usually somewhat painful. Instead of developing on the surface, they tend to lie deeper within the tissue, and can be found by doing a manual breast exam. Any painful or painless lump in the breast should be checked out by a medical professional.
Organ growths can be somewhat more difficult to identify. They are often associated with pain or decreased organ function; For example, people who suddenly have trouble urinating may have developed a growth on their kidney or bladder. However, in most cases, organ cysts have no visible symptoms and are only found through body tissue scans, such as ultrasounds or MRIs.
types of cyst
Skin growths include several different categories. Pilar cysts tend to form on the scalp and are caused by blocked hair follicles. Baker's cysts appear behind the knee joint and can be very swollen or painful. Spermatoceles grow on the skin surrounding the testicles, and are usually harmless and painless.
Common organ growths include those of the liver, kidney, and pancreas. These can decrease organ function if they grow larger, but are often harmless and cause no symptoms. Ovarian cysts are quite common in women of childbearing age. Occasionally, they can be extremely large and painful, and can lead to a condition known as polycystic ovary syndrome, in which the surface of the ovaries becomes rippled with many bumps due to hormonal imbalances.
The sacs can also grow in the mouth and throat. Children can develop dental sacs, which are soft, fluid-filled growths that appear around the teeth just before the gums break through. Vocal fold nodules form in the throat and on the vocal cords, causing hoarseness and voice changes.
Diagnosis and treatment
Medical professionals will often diagnose skin growths simply by looking at the lumps directly. Some health care providers may do a needle biopsy to take a sample of the material in the cyst. This type of biopsy is usually used to determine if the growth is benign or cancerous.
Imaging scanners, such as ultrasounds and MRIs, are often used to examine ingrowths. These scans can help identify if there are cysts, where they are located, and how large they are. Depending on the results of the scan, a doctor may recommend a needle biopsy or removal if the growth looks suspicious.
After the growth is diagnosed, treatment options vary. Some sacs are harmless and small, and can simply be left alone. If a cyst is painful or growing, a medical professional may suggest draining the fluid. Large growths can be surgically removed. For growths caused by hormones, such as breast and ovarian cysts, treatment may focus on correcting the imbalance to prevent further problems.