A look at some common types of cysts 

Dec 18, 2022 News

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Kaieteur News – A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin. There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous. In this week’s health fact, we will look at the different types of cysts, how they are formed and how they can be removed.

According to information composed by Medical News Today, cysts are formed by some of the cells in the top layer of skin that produce keratin, a protein that gives skin its strength and flexibility. Normally, these cells move up to the surface of the skin as they start to die so they can be shed. But the cells sometimes move deeper into the skin and multiply, forming a sac.

ACNE CYSTS

Cystic acne, or nodulocystic acne, is a severe type of acne in which the skin’s pores become blocked, leading to infection and inflammation.

These cysts may take months or more to clear up. Treatment often involves taking oral antibiotics and applying prescription-strength topical gels or creams to the skin, recommended by a dermatologist or trusted medical professional. Cystic acne treatments include antibiotic creams, gel solutions, and lotions to kill bacteria and decrease inflammation.

SEBACEOUS CYSTS

These lumps are often at the front of the neck. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts, such as sebaceous cysts. The thyroid gland may also produce swelling or one or more lumps. This can be due to thyroid disease or cancer.

In this case, a hole (puncture) is made in the top to remove the contents. Large cysts can come back after this procedure and may have to be surgically removed (excised). If a cyst becomes swollen, tender, large, or infected, treatment may include antibiotics and then surgery.

BREAST CYSTS

Breast cysts are common and may be painful. In females, these cysts can develop or change in size throughout the menstrual cycle, and they often disappear on their own. However, a doctor can drain the fluid if they are causing discomfort.

According to the American Cancer Society, simple cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer. That said, there is a small chance that complex cysts may contain cancerous cells or increase a person’s risk of cancer later on, depending on the results of a biopsy.

Most breast lumps (such as cysts) are noncancerous. There are many possible causes for a lump to develop in your breast.  Instead of performing a breast self-exam, it’s important to be familiar with how your breasts typically feel so you’re aware of changes. This way, you’re more likely to notice changes right away. You should make an appointment to see a healthcare professional if you discover a new lump, or an area of your breast that is noticeably different than the rest, a lump changes or grows larger, you notice an unexpected discharge from the nipples and you have an inverted nipple, and it wasn’t always inverted.

Fine-needle aspiration may be used to diagnose and treat a breast cyst if all the fluid can be removed from the cyst during the procedure, and then your breast lump disappears and your symptoms resolve. For some breast cysts, however, you may need to have fluid drained more than once.

BAKER’S CYSTS

Baker’s cysts are also known as popliteal cysts. Some do not cause any symptoms. However, a person with a Baker’s cyst can experience: knee pain, a lump behind the knee, a feeling of fullness behind the knee, swelling in the knee and lower leg, stiffness or tightness located at the back of the knee.

Baker’s cysts usually develop due to a problem with the knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, can be used to reduce swelling and pain in the affected knee, hold an ice pack to your knee for 10-20 minutes to reduce any swelling – try a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel (never put ice directly on your skin), rest your knee joint, wear knee support – you can buy these from a pharmacy.

CHALAZION (EYELID) CYSTS

  

Very small eyelid glands, known as meibomian glands, make a lubricant that comes out of tiny openings in the edges of the eyelids. Cysts can form here if the ducts are blocked. These are known as chalazion cysts.

These can be treated with warm compresses, antibiotic ointments, or steroid injections. If they don’t resolve on their own, surgical drainage may be necessary.  Surgeons numb the eyelid and usually scrape out the cyst.

BARTHOLIN’S CYSTS

Bartholin’s cysts can occur if the ducts of the Bartholin gland, which are inside the vagina, become blocked. A doctor may recommend surgery or prescription antibiotics as treatment.

DENTIGEROUS (DENTAL) CYSTS

Dentigerous cysts surround the crown of an unerupted tooth. A dentigerous cyst always includes a tooth that cannot complete the eruption process and occurs around the crown by the fluid accumulation between the layers of the enamel organ.

Dentigerous cysts can be painful and are generally treated by surgical means. The most common surgical modalities used are total enucleation, marsupialization, and decompression of the cyst via fenestration.

DERMOID SKIN CYST

Dermoid cysts comprise mature skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and clumps of long hair, as well as fat, bone, cartilage, and thyroid tissue. They can form anywhere on the body. Surgical removal is the only effective treatment for any type of dermoid cyst. The type of surgery depends on the kind of dermoid cyst: Periorbital dermoid cyst: the surgeon will clean the area and injects a local anesthetic. They remove the cyst through a small incision.

OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovarian cysts are common in females who have regular periods. They form during ovulation. The majority of ovarian cysts is benign and causes no symptoms. However, some can become so large that the abdomen protrudes. Polycystic ovary syndrome refers to when the ovaries develop many small cysts.

Large or persistent ovarian cysts, or cysts that are causing symptoms, usually need to be surgically removed. Surgery is also normally recommended if there are concerns that the cyst could be cancerous or could become cancerous. There are 2 types of surgeries used to remove ovarian cysts: a laparoscopy and a laparotomy.

PANCREATIC CYSTS

Health professionals may refer to them as “pseudocysts” because they do not contain the types of cells present in true cysts. They occur when the cells of the pancreas are injured or inflamed. They can also occur when pancreatic enzymes leak and damage the tissue of the pancreas.

Endoscopic drainage

Percutaneous catheter drainage uses a hollow tube inserted into the body to remove the fluid.

Surgical drainage, either via open surgery or laparoscopic surgery (using a laparoscope, a surgical tool that only requires a small incision) can be done.

 

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