Cysts (cont.)
What are the types of cysts?
There are hundreds of types of cysts that can arise in the body. Here are
some of the more well-known types of cysts:
- Cysts in the breast which are part of benign
proliferative ("fibrocystic") disease (fibrocystic breast disease)
- Ovarian cysts, including dermoid cysts, a specific type of ovarian tumor that often contains cysts and other tissues
- Cysts within the thyroid gland
- Baker cyst (popliteal) behind the knee
- Ganglion cysts of the joints and tendons
- Cysts of the glands within the eyelid, termed chalazions
- Sebaceous cysts of the small glands in the skin
- Epidermal cysts of the skin, sometimes known as epidermal inclusion cysts
- Bartholin cysts, enlargement of small glands near the vaginal opening
- Pineal cysts, cysts within the pineal gland of the brain
- Pancreatic cysts are collections of fluid within the pancreas. Some pancreatic cysts are true cysts that are lined by a cells that secrete fluid. Other pancreatic cysts are pseudocysts and do not contain specialized lining cells.
- Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition in which the kidneys contain multiple cysts
- Tarlov cysts, also known as meningeal or perineural cysts, located in the sacrum, the fused bones at the base of the spine.
The majority of cysts are benign, but some may produce symptoms due to their size and/or location. Rarely, cysts can be associated with malignant tumors (cancers) or serious infections. If you're concerned about any abnormal swelling or lump, talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to determine whether a cyst is present and the cause of the cyst.
Next: What are the signs and symptoms of a cyst, and how are they diagnosed? »
- Ultrasound - Learn an ultrasound procedure, and conditions and diseases it assists in diagnosing and screening like tumors, cysts, heart conditions and more.
- Boils - Learn about boils (skin abscess), localized infections deep within the skin that begins as a reddened, sore area. Eventually, the area hardens and fills with pus. Boils may be caused by ingrown hairs, clogged sweat glands, or foreign material that becomes imbedded in the skin. Treatment typically involves heat application, draining the boil, and antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infection.
- Fine-Needle Aspiration Biopsy of the Thyroid - Fine needle aspiration biopsy of the thyroid (FNAB) is used to rule out thyroid cancer, make a diagnosis or select therapy for a thyroid nodule, or drain a thyroid cyst.
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