What is a Cyst?
The cyst is a closed sac or cavity of a pathological nature, lined with epithelium and filled with liquid, gas or semi-solid material. When the accumulation is not covered by a distinct membrane, we speak of pseudocysts.
Cysts can develop at any age and in the most disparate locations, generally quickly before finally stopping their growth; more rarely, these abnormal formations shrink or continue to increase in size.
The cysts are very numerous in terms of variety and only in a very small percentage of cases are they indicative of a malignant tumor.
Insights on the Various Types of Cysts
Dental Cyst Chalazion Ovarian Cyst Geodes, Subchondral Geodes - Bone Cyst Polycystic Kidney Baker's Cyst Breast Cyst Tendon Cyst Sebaceous Cyst Pilonidal Cyst Ganglia (or Synovial Cyst) Bartholin Cyst Liver Cyst Dermoid CystCauses
The most common, the so-called retention cysts, originate from the obstruction of a glandular duct; among the various examples, the most characteristic one is given by the sebaceous cysts, which form precisely in the sebaceous glands of the skin, often at the level of the "genital area or scalp. These formations, which can reach considerable size, contain the secretion product of the gland (sebum), which sometimes becomes infected.
Cysts can also form due to infectious processes, chronic inflammatory conditions, tumors, genetic diseases or during the development of the embryo-fetus (eg dermoid cysts).
Symptoms
The cysts can produce more or less intense symptoms or be completely asymptomatic, in relation to the size, number and site of development. Larger mammary cysts, for example, although clearly palpable and of a hard or soft consistency, are harmless and are not dangerous (they are not cancers and are not more likely to become cancers); however they can cause pain or a feeling of discomfort.
Diagnosis
Depending on the location and size, the cysts may be visible to the naked eye or under the microscope, and may or may not be detectable on palpation; in these cases, a fundamental aid to diagnosis is provided by imaging techniques (radiographs, ultrasounds, CT scans, magnetic resonances, etc.).
Cures and treatments
If the cysts are painful or cause other problems to the patient (eg psychological), they are surgically removed, drained or aspirated through a needle or catheter. If necessary, for example when cysts develop in internal organs, the operation is performed with the help of imaging techniques. If, on the other hand, there is the suspicion that the cyst hides a malignant tumor, before proceeding with the removal it can be subjected to biopsy to dispel any doubts. The pathological examination can also be conducted on a sample of the internal liquid. Finally, if the widespread presence of cysts is one of the characteristic signs of an underlying chronic disease, the treatment is generally aimed at the causes of origin (for example, in the presence of multiple ovarian cysts, an attempt is made to reduce the production of androgens by the " ovary).
