Who is prone to cysts? Understanding Your Risk Factors

September 21, 2025 •

3 min read

While cysts are incredibly common and often harmless, a person’s risk can be influenced by a range of factors. An estimated 1 in 5 women, for instance, develop ovarian cysts at some point. Understanding who is prone to cysts can help you take proactive steps toward managing your health.

Quick Summary

An individual's predisposition to cysts is shaped by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal fluctuations, underlying medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. Risk varies significantly based on cyst type and location.

Key Points

Genetic Predisposition: Some individuals inherit a higher risk for specific cysts, such as pilar or those associated with Gardner Syndrome.
Hormonal Influence: Hormonal changes linked to life stages, PCOS, or endometriosis make certain women more prone to ovarian or skin cysts.
Inflammatory Conditions: Chronic issues like acne, hidradenitis suppurativa, and arthritis increase the likelihood of cysts forming.
Lifestyle & Occupation: Habits like poor hygiene and professions involving prolonged sitting can elevate the risk for certain types of cysts, including pilonidal cysts.
Gender and Age: The prevalence of certain cysts differs by gender and age, with women commonly experiencing ganglion and ovarian cysts, and men being more prone to pilonidal cysts.
Trauma and Blockages: Past injuries or clogged ducts and glands are a common cause for many cysts, such as epidermoid or mucous cysts.

The Underlying Causes of Cyst Development

Cysts can form anywhere on the body and arise from various root causes, often involving blockages, inflammation, or trauma that results in a fluid-filled sac. A person's susceptibility is frequently a complex interplay of genetic, biological, and external factors.

Genetic and Hereditary Factors

An increased risk for specific types of cysts can be inherited through genetic conditions. For example, Gardner Syndrome is linked to multiple epidermoid cysts, and a family history of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) raises the risk for kidney cysts. Pilar cysts on the scalp often have a hereditary component, and dermoid cysts have been associated with a higher likelihood in those with affected first-degree relatives.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Hormones significantly influence the formation of certain cysts, particularly in women, by affecting gland activity or causing blockages. Periods of hormonal shifts like puberty, pregnancy, and menopause can contribute to cyst formation. Conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), characterized by hormonal imbalance, are known for causing multiple ovarian cysts. Endometriosis, where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, can lead to ovarian endometriomas.

Chronic Inflammatory Conditions

Ongoing inflammation can predispose individuals to cysts in affected areas. Severe cystic acne, where hair follicles become clogged, increases the risk of cysts. Hidradenitis Suppurativa, a chronic skin condition, can cause abscesses and cysts in skin folds. The wear and tear of arthritis may also increase the risk of ganglion cysts near affected joints.

Physical Trauma and Injury

Injury can sometimes trigger cyst formation as part of the body's healing process. Damage to a hair follicle, such as from a scratch, can trap skin cells and result in an epidermoid cyst. Injury can also block a gland, leading to fluid accumulation, seen in mucous cysts in the mouth. Ingrown hairs, particularly with irritation and pressure, can lead to pilonidal cysts.

Comparing Common Cyst Risk Factors

The risk factors for cysts vary depending on the type. The table below highlights some key differences:


Cyst Type	Primary Risk Factor(s)	Common Demographic
Epidermoid Cysts	Hair follicle blockage, skin injury	Post-puberty, men more than women, ages 20-60
Ovarian Cysts	Hormonal changes, PCOS, endometriosis, fertility drugs	Women of childbearing age
Pilonidal Cysts	Prolonged sitting, ingrown hair, obesity	Men, ages 20-35, occupations requiring long sitting
Ganglion Cysts	Joint or tendon injury, osteoarthritis	Women, ages 20-40, history of joint trauma
Sebaceous Cysts	Blocked sebaceous glands, excess sebum	All ages, often used interchangeably with epidermoid cysts

Lifestyle Factors that Influence Cyst Development

Certain lifestyle choices can influence cyst risk.

Maintaining good hygiene can help prevent infections that might lead to skin cysts.
Avoiding picking or squeezing blemishes reduces trauma to hair follicles.
Managing stress, potentially through activities like yoga, may help with underlying inflammatory conditions that could contribute to cyst formation.
A healthy diet and weight can potentially lower the risk of certain cysts, such as some ovarian cysts; high intake of red meat and cheese has been linked to benign ovarian cysts.
Wearing loose clothing can help reduce irritation and risk for pilonidal cysts.

When to See a Doctor

While most cysts are benign, it is important to consult a healthcare provider if a cyst is painful, swollen, warm, grows rapidly, appears in an unusual location, drains fluid, interferes with activities, or shows other concerning changes. For information on distinguishing between cysts and tumors, a resource like the American Cancer Society can be helpful.

Conclusion: Awareness is Key

Understanding your personal risk factors for cysts is crucial for proactive health management. While genetics play a role you can't change, lifestyle modifications and addressing underlying health issues can help reduce risk. Always seek professional medical advice for problematic or concerning cysts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, some types of cysts have a genetic link and can run in families. For example, individuals with a family history of Gardner syndrome or polycystic kidney disease are more likely to develop those specific cysts.

Stress does not directly cause cysts, but it can worsen existing inflammatory conditions, such as acne or hidradenitis suppurativa, which may increase your risk.

A balanced diet and maintaining a healthy weight may help reduce the risk of some cysts. Studies suggest high intake of red meat and cheese could be associated with benign ovarian cysts, while green vegetables may have a protective effect.

The risk varies by cyst type. Men are more susceptible to pilonidal cysts and certain skin cysts, while women are more likely to experience ovarian, breast, and ganglion cysts.

While complete prevention isn't always possible, you can reduce your risk. This includes practicing good hygiene, avoiding skin trauma, managing underlying health conditions, and wearing loose clothing.

Men between puberty and age 40 who have thick body hair, are overweight, or have occupations that involve prolonged sitting (like truck drivers) are at a higher risk.

Yes. While some cysts are more common in adults, hormonal changes during puberty can trigger cystic acne, and some genetic conditions can cause cysts to form much earlier in life.