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
- polycystic kidney disease, an inherited condition in which the kidneys contain multiple cysts
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 the cause of the cyst.
What is the treatment for a cyst?
The treatment for a cyst depends upon the cause of the cyst along with its
location. Cysts that are very large and result in symptoms due to their size may
be surgically removed. Sometimes the fluid contained within a cyst can be
drained, or aspirated, by inserting a needle or catheter into the cyst cavity,
resulting in collapse of the cyst. Radiologic imaging may be used for guidance
in draining (aspirating) cyst contents if the cyst is not easily accessible.
If there is any suspicion that a cyst is cancerous, the cyst is generally
removed by surgery or a biopsy is taken of the cyst wall (capsule) to rule out
malignancy. In certain cases, aspirated fluid from a cyst is examined under a
microscope to determine if cancer cells are present in the cyst.
If a cyst arises as part of a chronic medical condition (for example, in
polycystic ovary syndrome or
fibrocystic breast disease),
treatment is generally directed at the underlying medical condition.
Last Editorial Review: 1/17/2008
Next: What are the signs and symptoms of a cyst and how are they diagnosed? »
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