A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can form anywhere on or inside the body and may contain fluid, air, pus, or other material. These sacs can vary widely in size and, while often innocuous, require medical attention if they become problematic. Understanding the characteristics of different types of cysts can help you determine whether your symptoms are cause for concern.
Types of Cysts
Cysts are named based on where they appear, and their symptoms can vary significantly depending on their location:
- Epidermoid Cysts: Formerly known as sebaceous cysts, these often form when epidermal cells grow inward and become trapped under the skin, creating a sac filled with keratin. They are commonly found on the face, neck, and torso.
- Pilar Cysts: These originate from hair follicles and most frequently occur on the scalp. They can be tender if irritated but are typically benign.
- Ovarian Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs develop on or within the ovaries, often as a result of the menstrual cycle. Functional ovarian cysts are common and usually disappear on their own, while pathological cysts may require monitoring or treatment.
- Ganglion Cysts: A jelly-like fluid-filled lump that typically forms along the tendons or joints of the wrists or hands.
- Breast Cysts: Fluid-filled sacs within the breast tissue that are usually benign and often associated with hormonal changes.
Key Signs When You Should Worry About Cysts
While many cysts can be left untreated, certain symptoms suggest that a lump requires a doctor's evaluation.
Signs of Infection or Inflammation
One of the most common reasons a benign cyst becomes troublesome is an infection or rupture. When bacteria enter the cyst, it can lead to localized infection, or if it bursts, it can cause a more widespread infection. You should worry if a cyst shows the following signs of infection:
- Redness and Swelling: The area around the cyst becomes visibly red and inflamed.
- Warmth and Tenderness: The skin over the cyst feels warm to the touch and is painful or tender when pressed.
- Discharge: A foul-smelling, thick, yellow or white fluid drains from the cyst.
- Systemic Symptoms: You experience a fever or chills, which can indicate that the infection is spreading.
Rapid Changes
A lump that changes rapidly in size or appearance is a significant red flag.
- Rapid Growth: A cyst that suddenly gets larger over a period of weeks or months should be monitored closely by a healthcare professional.
- Changing Appearance: Any changes in color, especially darkening, or the development of new bleeding or open sores on the lump can be concerning.
Mobility and Texture
The texture and movement of a lump can offer clues about its nature.
- Hard and Immovable: Unlike most benign cysts, which are often soft, rubbery, and moveable under the skin, a lump that feels hard or is fixed to the surrounding tissue is more concerning and should be evaluated immediately.
Complications and Severe Symptoms
Certain complications require emergency medical attention, particularly for internal cysts like ovarian cysts.
- Sudden, Severe Pain: A ruptured ovarian cyst can cause sudden, intense pain in the lower abdomen, often on one side. This may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Ovarian Torsion: In this emergency, a large cyst causes the ovary to twist, cutting off blood flow and causing severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
- Internal Bleeding: Symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, rapid heartbeat, or feeling faint can indicate significant internal bleeding from a ruptured cyst.
- Pressure on Organs: A large internal cyst can press on surrounding organs, causing discomfort, bloating, frequent urination, or changes in bowel habits.
Distinguishing a Cyst from a Tumor
Determining whether a lump is a cyst or a tumor is crucial, as their implications and treatment approaches differ significantly. While imaging can often differentiate between a fluid-filled cyst and a solid tumor, a biopsy is sometimes required for a definitive diagnosis.
| Characteristic | Cyst | Tumor |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Sac or capsule filled with fluid, air, pus, or other material. | Solid mass of abnormal tissue. |
| Growth | Typically slow-growing, though can enlarge if inflamed or infected. | Can be slow (benign) or rapid (malignant). |
| Feel/Texture | Often soft, smooth, and movable under the skin; feels like a pea or small balloon. | Usually firm and may feel fixed or hard to the touch. |
| Movement | Often moves freely when gently pushed. | Can be stationary or fixed to underlying tissue. |
| Cancer Risk | Almost always benign, though some can have an increased risk of malignancy. | Can be benign or malignant (cancerous). |
| Common Appearance | Often dome-shaped with a central punctum (blackhead) if on the skin. | Varies widely; cancerous lumps often have irregular, asymmetrical edges. |
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Upon discovering a new or changing lump, a medical evaluation is the best course of action. Your healthcare provider will use a combination of methods to diagnose the issue.
- Physical Exam: A doctor can often assess a lump's size, texture, and mobility during an in-office exam. For skin cysts, a central pore may be visible.
- Imaging Tests: For internal or deeper lumps, a doctor may order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, to visualize the mass and determine its composition.
- Biopsy: If there is any suspicion of malignancy, a biopsy will be performed. This procedure involves removing a tissue sample for laboratory analysis to confirm or rule out cancer.
Treatment depends on the cyst's type, size, location, and symptoms. Many benign cysts do not require treatment and may resolve on their own. However, options for bothersome cysts include:
- Watchful Waiting: Monitoring the cyst over time, especially for small, asymptomatic lumps.
- Needle Aspiration: Draining the fluid from the cyst using a fine needle to relieve pressure.
- Surgical Excision: Completely removing the cyst and its sac to prevent recurrence.
- Antibiotics: Prescribed for infected cysts to clear the infection before other treatments.
For more detailed information on specific types of cysts, the Mayo Clinic offers extensive, authoritative resources, which can be a valuable point of reference.
Conclusion
While finding a lump can be alarming, most cysts are harmless, non-cancerous growths that require little to no intervention. However, paying close attention to your body and recognizing the specific warning signs is critical. When you should worry about cysts is when they become painful, rapidly grow or change, show signs of infection, or cause significant symptoms due to their location. In such cases, seeking prompt and professional medical evaluation is the safest and most reliable way to ensure a proper diagnosis and the best possible outcome for your health.
