by Dr Behrouz Hashim
A cyst is an abnormal pocket of fluid, like a blister, that can form in many different area of the body including the skin, genitals and internal organs.A cyst can vary in size from a tiny sac right up to a golf ball size containing fluid. The common symptom is localized swelling, but a cyst may or may not be painful. Sometimes, depending on the cause and location, a cyst contains semi-solid or solid material. The typical treatment for any cyst is surgical removal and a routine test for cancer, even though most cysts are benign. All unusual lumps need to be professionally investigated.
Causes
- Most cysts form for no apparent reason. Some of the known causes of cysts include:
- Blocked ducts, which cause a build-up of fluid.
- A cellular defect.
- An impact injury that pops a blood vessel.
- A parasite.
Things to remember:
- Cysts are abnormal sacs of fluid that can form anywhere in the body.
- If left untreated, benign cysts can lead to a range of serious complications, including blood poisoning.
- Surgical removal is the most common treatment.
Sebaceous cysts
These are sacs just beneath the skin that are filled with an oily, white, semi-solid material called sebum. If the sebum becomes infected, the cyst will be red and painful. These cysts are commonly seen on the scalp, labia, scrotum, chest and back, but they can be found anywhere in the body. Sebaceous cysts tend to develop in teenagers because of an interaction among hormones, sebum and bacteria.
Trichilemmal cysts
These are usually multiple. The cysts generally have a round appearance. A black, dark portion of the cyst is visible on the skin. If squeezed the cysts exude a stringy, cheesy white material. If the cysts become infected, they will become re and tender.
Epidermoid cysts
These re benign and do not have to be treated. If a patient elects to have a cyst removed, the entire cyst wall and its contents must be removed. If not, recurrence of the cyst is certain.
Cysts around the vaginal opening
The Bartholin glands, located on both sides of the vaginal opening, produce lubrication to keep the vagina moist. A Bartholin cyst occurs when one of the glands gets blocked and forms a lump in the vaginal wall. The cyst can also swell and become tender.
Please make sure that any unusual lump or bump or cyst anywhere in your body is looked at by a proper doctor.