Cysts

Cysts Summary Cysts are saclike structures that can occur throughout the body and usually contain a semisolid, liquid, or gaseous substance. Infections, tumors, genetic conditions, chronic inflammatory conditions, and wear and tear can cause cysts. Though some cysts may be palpable, others may not produce any symptoms. Treatment depends upon the location and cause of the cyst. Cysts are common, closed saclike structures that contains fluid, gas, or semisolid material.There are hundreds of different types of cysts.Cysts can be located in all areas of the body.Superficial cysts may be felt as an abnormal "lump" on the skin. Cysts of internal organs, such as the liver, ovaries, kidneys, or pancreas, may not be noticed and may or may not produce symptoms. Cysts of internal organs may not be noticed and may or may not produce symptoms.A number of different processes can result in cyst formation, including blockage of the flow of fluids, infection, trauma, tumors, congenital defects, and chronic inflammatory conditions.The majority of cysts are benign, but certain cases can be associated with malignant tumors.

A cyst is a closed, saclike structure that contains fluid, gas, or semisolid material and is not a normal part of the tissue where it is located. Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in people of any age. Cysts vary in size; they may be detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues and cause symptoms. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.

Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including

"wear and tear" or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid,infections,tumors,chronic inflammatory conditions,genetic (inherited) conditions,defects in developing organs in the embryo.

Most cysts arise due to the types of conditions listed above and are only preventable to the extent that the underlying cause is preventable.

Reviewed by William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR on 9/24/2013

Cysts - Effective Treatments Question: The symptoms of cysts can vary greatly from patient to patient. What were your initial symptoms? Cysts - Diagnosis Question: How were your cysts diagnosed? Cysts - Different Types Question: If known, what type of cyst do/did you have? What was the treatment and outcome?

Pilonidal cysts arise at the base of the tailbone (coccyx) of the lower back, just above the natal cleft (the cleavage between the buttocks). Doctors sometimes use the term pilonidal disease to refer to the range of problems that can affect this area. In simple cases, a small, solitary cyst-like area containing fluid is present without evidence of infection.

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