Cysts—just the word can make you anxious. They’re small, they’re often silent, and they pop up in places you never thought something could grow. But what exactly are cysts, and what do they do inside the human body? Are they dangerous, or just a harmless lump? Let’s break down what you need to know about these mysterious growths.
What Are Cysts?
At its core, a cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue filled with fluid, air, or other substances. Think of them as little “bubbles” that can form almost anywhere in the body—skin, organs, tissues, even bones! They can vary greatly in size, from microscopic to large enough to cause noticeable swelling or discomfort.
Cysts are incredibly common and come in many different forms. Some are so benign that people might live with them for years without realizing they exist, while others can cause pain, infections, or—more rarely—point to something more serious, like cancer.
Why Do Cysts Form?
The body is a complex machine, and cysts can develop for a variety of reasons. Common causes include:
- Blockages of ducts or glands: Many cysts form because something—like a gland or duct—is blocked. For example, sebaceous cysts, which often appear under the skin, result from blocked oil glands.
- Infections: Certain infections can cause cysts to form as the body tries to isolate harmful bacteria or viruses. An abscess, for example, is a cyst filled with pus due to infection.
- Inflammation: Chronic inflammation in tissues can cause fluid accumulation, forming cysts.
- Inherited conditions: Some people are genetically predisposed to forming cysts. For instance, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes numerous cysts to develop in the kidneys over time.
- Injuries: Trauma can sometimes lead to cysts. If tissue gets damaged, a cyst might form as part of the body's healing process.
Types of Common Cysts
While there are countless types of cysts, a few are more common than others:
- Sebaceous Cysts: These occur under the skin and are filled with oily or greasy material. They’re usually harmless but can become infected or inflamed.
- Ovarian Cysts: Many women develop ovarian cysts at some point, often during their menstrual cycles. Most of these are harmless and resolve on their own, but larger ones can cause discomfort or complications.
- Baker’s Cysts: Found behind the knee, Baker’s cysts are often linked to joint issues like arthritis. They may cause swelling or discomfort, particularly during movement.
- Ganglion Cysts: These are noncancerous lumps that form along tendons or joints, especially in the wrists or hands. While not harmful, they can cause discomfort or limit mobility.
- Pilonidal Cysts: These occur near the tailbone and are notorious for becoming infected, often leading to pain, swelling, and even the need for surgical drainage.
What Do Cysts Do to Our Bodies?
Cysts are often benign, meaning they don’t cause significant harm. But that doesn’t mean they’re completely harmless. Here’s what they might be doing to your body:
- Pressure and Discomfort: Large cysts can press against organs or tissues, causing discomfort or pain. For example, a large ovarian cyst might press on the bladder, causing frequent urination or a feeling of fullness.
- Infections: Some cysts can become infected, leading to swelling, redness, and pain. In these cases, the cyst may need to be drained, and antibiotics might be required.
- Interference with Function: Certain cysts can interfere with how organs function. For example, polycystic kidney disease (PKD) causes numerous cysts in the kidneys, which can gradually reduce kidney function over time.
- Cosmetic Concerns: While many cysts are harmless, those on visible areas like the skin can cause anxiety or self-consciousness, even if they pose no real medical threat.
- Risk of Rupture: In some cases, cysts can rupture. A ruptured ovarian cyst, for example, can cause sudden and severe pain, while a ruptured sebaceous cyst may lead to infection.
- Rare Cancerous Potential: While most cysts are benign, some can indicate or evolve into malignancy. For instance, certain ovarian cysts may raise concerns about ovarian cancer, though the vast majority are non-cancerous.
Diagnosing and Treating Cysts
If you notice an unusual lump or experience discomfort, a doctor will likely perform a physical examination. To confirm the diagnosis or assess the cyst’s nature, they might use imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. In some cases, a biopsy might be necessary to rule out cancer.
Most cysts don’t require treatment and can be left alone. However, treatment options include:
- Watchful waiting: Monitoring small, asymptomatic cysts to see if they change over time.
- Draining the cyst: This involves using a needle to remove fluid or pus from the cyst.
- Surgery: Larger or painful cysts might be surgically removed, especially if they’re interfering with the function of nearby organs.
- Medications: For certain types of cysts, medications (such as antibiotics or hormones) might be prescribed to reduce symptoms or prevent further growth.
Prevention and What to Watch For
There’s no surefire way to prevent cysts entirely, but maintaining good hygiene, managing chronic conditions, and addressing infections early can help reduce your risk. Keep an eye out for any new or changing lumps, especially if they grow quickly, become painful, or are accompanied by other symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss.
The Bottom Line
Cysts are incredibly common, and the majority of them are harmless. However, they can sometimes cause discomfort, interfere with the body’s normal functions, or even lead to complications if infected or ruptured. If you ever notice a cyst or have concerns, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional. Remember, most cysts are more of an inconvenience than a danger, but understanding what's going on in your body is the first step to keeping it healthy!
References
Mayo Clinic - Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms and Causes
Mayo Clinic - Epidermoid Cysts: Symptoms and Causes
Cleveland Clinic - Ovarian Cysts: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Healthdirect - Cysts
NHS - Ovarian Cyst
World Health Organization (WHO) – Echinococcosis and Cystic Diseases