A cyst is a sac-like structure often filled with a liquid, semisolid, or gaseous substance and has a closed capsule or sac-like exterior in various types of cysts. Cysts are abnormal sacs that may develop in any bodily tissue and range in size from microscopic to massive, dislodging internal organs.
However, for the sake of this article, we shall accept the definition given above and consider types of cysts to be aberrant structures rather than normal bags or sacs. Therefore, the types of cysts we will be discussing here are not typical bodily structures. Separate cyst walls or membranes characterize them. Pus-filled sacs are more often referred to as abscesses rather than cysts.
Types of Cysts
Cysts come in wide varieties. One may develop a cyst just about everywhere (for example, on the face, scalp, back, behind the knee, arm, groin, and within organs like the liver, ovaries, kidneys, or brain). While most types of cysts are completely safe, some have been shown to harbour cancerous cells.
Kinds of cysts that occur within the human body:
1. Epidermoid (Sebaceous) Cyst
Benign skin growth caused by a sebaceous gland, generally loaded with yellow oil. This is because they cause the skin to expand, making them quite noticeable. As they grow, they may become painful and ugly.
2. Breast Cyst
A bag full of milk that sits in the breast. It's important to rule out malignant growths whenever possible when diagnosing breast types of cysts.
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3. Ganglion Cyst or Synovial Cyst
A mass of noncancerous soft tissue that may form in any joint.
4. Dermoid Cyst
A benign tumour composed of epidermis, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands that originates from discarded embryonic cells.
5. Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian types of cysts, also known as adnexal cysts, are collections of fluid that develop within or on the surface of an ovary.
Suggested Read: Ovarian Cysts: Types, Symptoms, Treatments, and Prevention
6. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Numerous fluid-filled types of cysts on the ovaries are a symptom of an endocrine disorder that causes the ovaries to grow abnormally big (follicles).
Also Read: How Is PCOD Different From PCOS?
Types of Cysts7. Baker Cyst
A popliteal cyst is a benign enlargement of the membranous synovial bursa behind the knee.
8. Bartholin Cyst
Produced because of the obstruction of a Bartholin gland (located at the vaginal entrance). The discomfort from Bartholin types of cysts might be severe.
9. Arachnoid Cyst
Cerebrospinal fluid collecting on the arachnoid membrane or the brain's surface between the cranial base.
10. Epididymal Cyst
Spherical epididymal cysts that form outside of the testes.
11. Labial Cyst
Cysts containing fluid located anywhere in the labia.
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12. Sebaceous Cyst
A benign cyst that may develop anywhere on the body but most usually occurs on the face, neck, and trunk.
13. Pilonidal Cyst
Jeep driver's disease, or a cyst containing hair and skin debris, often occurs on or around the cleft of the buttocks.
The types of cysts that are tiny have no symptoms or indicators associated with them. On occasion, though, the cysts may manifest themselves in the form of a lump or bump on the skin or even in the tissues that lie just under the skin's surface. These types of cysts have the potential to cause some discomfort at times.
If they are tiny enough, cysts that are not related to the skin but rather to internal organs may not cause any symptoms at all. If the cysts grow to be big enough to displace or compress other organs, or to obstruct the normal flow of fluid in tissues such as the liver, pancreas, or other organs, then pain or other symptoms associated with those organs may begin to manifest.
Read Next: Polycystic Kidney Disease
Causes of Cysts
Cysts are very prevalent and may develop in almost any part of the body. Infections, piercings, and blocked sebaceous glands are all potential causes of these bumps on the skin.
Other possible causes of various types of cysts include the following:
- tumours
- genetic conditions
- a fault in an organ of a developing embryo
- a defect in the cells
- chronic inflammatory conditions
- blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
- a parasite
- an injury that breaks a vessel
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Treatments of Cysts
Under no circumstances should you ever try to crush or rupture a cyst or pseudocyst on your own, regardless of the severity of the symptoms. This may result in an infection. People can sometimes improve themselves on their own without the assistance of anybody else. If you apply a warm compress to a cyst, it will facilitate the drainage of the cyst, which will speed up the process of healing. In all other cases, however, it is imperative that you seek medical treatment.
Cysts are abnormal sacs that grow in tissues throughout the body and are filled with fluid. Cysts may occur in any area of the body. They are not that uncommon, and there are a lot of variations available. Cysts may be caused by various conditions, including infections, tumours, parasites, and trauma. In most cases, they do not cause cancer. If someone is concerned about a cyst or has discovered a new lump, they should make an appointment with a medical professional to get an appropriate diagnosis and, if required, treatment.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the most common reasons why Cysts form?
Cysts are abnormal sacs that form in tissues throughout the body and are filled with fluid. They may be found in organs, such as the ovaries and testicles. Cysts have the potential to develop in any part of the body. They are not all that rare, and one may choose from many different iterations of them. Many different medical problems, including infections, tumours, parasites, and even trauma, are capable of triggering the development of cysts. They are not often responsible for the development of cancer.
Q2. What are some ways to avoid getting Cysts?
The types of cysts and pseudocysts are impossible to avoid entirely. There are a few notable outliers. Those with a higher risk of developing ovarian cysts may reduce their risk of developing new cysts by utilizing hormonal contraceptives. Maintaining a clean and dry environment for the skin in the afflicted region is one of the best ways to stop pilonidal cysts from developing.
Q3. How is the Cyst surgically removed?
A tiny incision will drain the cyst that the doctor will make while the patient is under the influence of a local anesthetic. Your medical provider may pack the wound with gauze, which must be removed within a day or two. You may need to take antibiotics to treat or prevent an illness. Your cut ought to heal within a week or two at the most.
Also Read: Cystic Acne: Causes And Treatment
