What is a Cyst?

What is a Cyst?

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Cysts are closed sacs that can form in tissues and organs in the body, often containing fluid, pus or air. They can be microscopic in size and can grow in size over time and this growth can cause some problems in the body. Cysts are usually benign and do not cause cancer and can occur independently of symptoms. When these and similar cysts reach large sizes over time and cause complaints, they should be surgically removed.

What are the symptoms of cysts?

They can be seen commonly and mostly do not show symptoms. Most of the time, they are detected as a result of tests and examinations performed for another reason. They usually do not cause pain because their growth is slow. However, some symptoms may occur in the person as a result of too much growth, sensitization of the tissue, pressure on the nerves and infection. The symptoms mostly seen in cyst types are as follows;

  • Although ovarian cysts in women sometimes do not show symptoms, the condition can be severe in some cases. In such cases, the person may show symptoms such as pain in the abdomen, swelling, pelvic pain during menstrual periods, pain during bowel movements, back pain, vomiting, infertility and pain during sexual intercourse.
  • Epidermoid and dermoid cysts have a lump-like shape and may appear as such. Cysts that are mostly filled are red in color and can be seen visually.
  • Cysts that form in internal organs may not cause symptoms. In this case, the person may experience functional loss of organs. It can cause pain in areas such as the lungs and kidneys.

What are the Types of Cysts?

It can occur in different and various parts of the body. Some of the most common types of cysts are as follows;
Ovarian and Uterine Cysts: Ovarian cysts are among the most common types of cysts. Cysts with fluid inside can be seen in one or both ovaries.
Breast Cysts: Breast cysts, which are more common in women, are mostly benign and manifest themselves through changes in the appearance of the breast. After the cyst is detected, research and certain applications are carried out to determine whether it is harmful or not.
Kidney Cysts: Cysts are more likely to occur in individuals with kidney disease than normal. The formation of cysts in this region can occur on the surface or inside the organ.
Brain Cysts: The formation of a cyst in this region can be congenital or develop later. Cysts can manifest themselves with headaches and seizures.
Subcutaneous and Supercutaneous Cysts: Cysts that can occur in different layers of the skin are easy to diagnose because they are visible. Most of the time, they are removed with simple surgical interventions and sent for examination.

What Causes Cysts?

There are some conditions that cause cyst formation. These conditions are as follows;

  • Genetic factors
  • Traumas
  • Congenital disease or prenatal factors
  • Benign or malignant tumors that occur in different parts of the body
  • Problems in the cell
  • Congestion and fluid accumulation in the secretory pathways
  • Formation due to injuries
  • Surgical operations

How is a cyst diagnosed?

In the diagnosis of cysts, first of all, it is checked what symptoms people have during physical examination. Cysts can be large in size and can cause pain. It is also important in which areas of the body the symptoms are seen. Swelling in the upper and lower areas of the skin makes it easier to detect the cyst.
Imaging methods are used to detect cysts, especially in the internal organs, and to reach definitive results. Ultrasonography is a method that gives precise results and plays an important role in diagnosis. This method shows where the cyst is located and its size in detail.
Some cysts can be detected without causing symptoms. In such cases, people may have applied to hospitals with a different complaint. Surgical intervention is used in cases where there is a significant problem depending on the size and location of the cyst.

How is cyst treatment performed?

Cyst treatment; It is performed according to the condition of the cyst, its location and the patient. Some cysts do not show any symptoms because they are small in size. These are only monitored with regular controls. Cysts that grow over time and put the patient's health at risk need to be removed surgically.
Cysts on the skin can often be treated through a small incision. Cysts in the ovaries are treated with medication or surgical intervention. The cyst removed after surgery is sent for examination and it is understood whether the cyst is benign or malignant.

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CreatorNP Istanbul Hospital Editorial Board
Updated At25 July 2024
Created At14 September 2022
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