Cysts

A cyst is an abnormal pocket of fluid, like a blister, that can form in many different areas of the body including the skin, genitals and internal organs. A cyst can vary in size from a tiny sac right up to a heavy bag containing litres of fluid. The common symptom is swelling around the area, but a cyst may or may not be painful.

Sometimes, depending on the cause and location, a cyst contains semi-solid or solid material. The typical treatment for any cyst is removal by surgery and a routine test for cancer, even though most cysts are benign. All unusual lumps need to be investigated by a qualified health professional.

Most cysts form for no apparent reason

Some of the known causes of cysts include: A parasite. Some of the different types of cysts include: – the arachnoid membrane covers the brain. A baby may be born with an arachnoid cyst. It is caused by the arachnoid membrane doubling up or splitting to form an abnormal pocket of cerebrospinal fluid.

This can be treated by surgical drainage if necessary. – the Bartholin glands are situated inside the vagina. A cyst occurs if the ducts become blocked.

Treatment includes surgery and antibiotics

– these cysts are usually painful and need to be drained with a needle. There is some evidence that breast cysts might indicate an increased risk of breast cancer. – occasionally, a baby is born with a small cyst or bursa.

This birth defect can be corrected with surgery

– a small tapeworm forms cysts in the liver or lungs. The tapeworm eggs are spread by contact with infected dogs, their faeces (poo) or anything contaminated with faeces such as soil.

Treatment includes surgery and drugs

– most are benign, but can grow to such a size that the woman looks pregnant. Cysts less than 5cm are a common part of normal egg formation in the reproductive years. Sometimes, bleeding occurs into these cysts (this is called a haemorrhagic cyst).

In some cases, the cysts are cancerous.

Treatment includes surgery

– a cyst forms in the skin of the lower back, sometimes containing an ingrown hair. Pilonidal cysts can grow in clusters and sometimes create a hole or cavity in the skin.

Treatment includes draining the cyst or surgical removal

– the skin is lubricated by sebaceous fluid. This fluid can build up inside a pore or hair follicle and form a hard lump filled with thick, greasy matter.

When squeezed, a small dome-shaped projection will appear (the punctum), representing the opening of the cyst.

This may allow material to be expressed (squeezed out). Treatment includes drugs, draining the cyst with a small needle, or removal by surgery. Sebaceous cysts are common on the face, back, scalp and scrotum.

All unusual lumps need to be investigated

Some cysts are cancerous and early treatment is vital

If left untreated, benign cysts can cause serious complications including: – the cyst fills with bacteria and pus, and becomes an abscess. If the abscess bursts inside the body, there is a risk of blood poisoning (septicaemia).

If a cyst is cancerous, treatment will depend on its size and location and on whether or not cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body. The cyst will be surgically removed along with surrounding tissue.

Further treatment might include radiotherapy (using x-rays to kill cancer cells) or chemotherapy (drugs). Cysts are abnormal sacs of fluid that can form anywhere in the body.

If left untreated, benign cysts can lead to a range of serious complications, including blood poisoning.

Surgical removal is the most common treatment

Causes of cysts Blocked ducts, which cause a build-up of fluid A defect in the cells An impact injury that pops a blood vessel Different cysts and treatment Arachnoid cyst Bartholin’s cyst Breast cyst Cystic hygroma Hydatid disease Ovarian cyst Pilonidal disease Sebaceous cyst Diagnosis of cysts Infection Peritonitis Cancerous cysts Where to get help Your doctor Things to remember.

Key Points

• common symptom is swelling around the area, but a cyst may or may not be painful
• Sometimes, depending on the cause and location, a cyst contains semi-solid or solid material
• typical treatment for any cyst is removal by surgery and a routine test for cancer, even though most cysts are benign
• Some of the known causes of cysts include: A parasite
• caused by the arachnoid membrane doubling up or splitting to form an abnormal pocket of cerebrospinal fluid