A cyst is a fluid-filled cavity in tissue that is sealed from the rest of the tissue by cuticles (epithelium). This is referred to as encapsulation. In addition, cysts may be divided into several chambers. In this case, the fluids occurring in the cyst may consist of proportions of pus, tissue water, and blood.
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a fluid-filled cavity that can form in any human tissue. The term cyst is derived from the Greek word “kystis,” which translates to bladder or urinary bladder. Therefore, a cyst is a fluid-filled cavity that can form in any human tissue. They most commonly occur in the breast, on women’s ovaries, but also in the kidney, liver or even lungs. This cavity consists of one or more chambers and is closed by a capsule. Doctors distinguish between true cysts, which are lined with a layer of cells, and pseudocysts, which in turn are surrounded only by connective tissue. Cysts can vary in size: for example, they can be a few millimeters in size and only visible under a microscope, but they can also reach a size where they displace tissue or even other organs.
Causes of cysts
A cyst can have several causes, depending on where it forms:
If it forms in the skin layer, it is usually because fluid cannot drain freely. In the case of cysts in the female breast, ovaries or testicles, on the other hand, the influence of hormones is the decisive factor. Cysts in the kidney and liver are often based on a genetic disease and therefore inherited. For example, a cystic kidney develops due to a mutation of the 16th chromosome. However, chronic diseases can also cause cysts to form. People suffering from cystic fibrosis (a congenital metabolic disease), among others, have an increased risk of lung cysts. More rarely, however, the cause of a cyst is to be found in parasites. An example of this is the dog tapeworm, which is frequently found in Mediterranean countries, Africa and South America. The liver cysts it forms usually occur singly and can grow up to 30 centimeters in size. However, the fox tapeworm also forms cysts that can spread throughout the liver like a tumor. This is found in our country mainly in the Swiss Jura, southern Germany, the Swabian Alps and the Tyrol.
Diseases with this symptom
- Cystic Fibrosis
- Pancreatic cyst
- Renal cyst
- Hydrocele
- Hormonal imbalances
- Jaw cysts
- Bone cyst
- Baker cyst
- Cystic echinococcosis
- Cystic liver
- Breast cysts
- Ovarian cyst
Complications
Of course, a wide variety of complications can also arise from a cyst, due to various underlying diseases. As a rule, cysts are completely harmless. Many cysts are not even noticeable because they are located deep under the skin. However, in such a case, complications can arise if the cysts become larger and thus displace organs or impair their function. This can cause a very unpleasant pressure, which should definitely be treated by a doctor. If you think you have discovered a cyst, you should also consult a doctor immediately. This is the only way to be sure that it really is a cyst. Cysts also frequently occur in the female ovaries and may even affect fertility. Cysts can also develop as a result of embryonic developmental disorders, which can be removed as required. Such a procedure usually carries very few risks. One thing is certain: complications associated with a cyst are limited. Normally, cysts are completely harmless, provided they do not enlarge or get in the way of important organs.
When should you see a doctor?
As varied as the location of the cyst can be, the symptoms that occur also vary in type and intensity. In general, if you have a palpable cyst, you should first see your family doctor. The same applies in the event of severe or chronically recurring pain as well as leaking fluids such as pus or blood.Spontaneous onset of neurological disorders – speech or hearing impairment, uncontrollable twitching – should also be described to a physician promptly. Initially, a visit to the family doctor is sufficient. He or she will either arrange for examinations – ultrasound examination, blood, urine or stool checks – or refer the patient directly to a specialist. The choice of specialist depends on the symptoms or the location of the cyst. Women can have palpable lumps in the breast or groin area examined directly by their gynecologist. Men can also develop cysts in the testicles or groin area. They should consult a urologist directly. In the case of disorders of neurological processes, the general practitioner usually refers directly to a neurologist. If a hardening in the jaw area is palpated, prompt examination by a dentist is advisable. If not treated, the gums and roots of the teeth can become inflamed. Cysts often form in the knee or elbow joint as a result of physical exertion. In this case, the patient can initially be treated by immobilization and cooling as well as taking weak painkillers. If the symptoms worsen, however, a visit to the family doctor or orthopedist is also advisable in this case.
Treatment and therapy
Treatment of the cyst depends on its size, the likelihood of malignant degeneration, and the severity of the symptoms. Those who have been diagnosed with a cyst should initially have it monitored regularly by ultrasound, as there is a chance of spontaneous regression. However, even if the cyst does not regress, the symptoms often disappear and the patient can continue to live normally even with the cyst. Depending on the tissue in which a cyst has formed, there are other treatment options besides surgical removal. For example, a kidney cyst or a breast cyst can be treated by puncture. In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the cyst and finally the fluid is aspirated from the cavity. Cysts that have formed in the ovary, on the other hand, can be treated with hormone therapy. If the treatment does not work, the cyst is then often removed by laparoscopy.
Outlook and prognosis
Most cysts are harmless and regress on their own without ever causing symptoms. We are talking about true cysts, which are different from so-called pseudocysts – these are also harmless but have a different anatomical structure than a true cyst. Problems can arise from the size of a cyst or its location. Large cysts, as well as those located in awkward places and pressing on other organs, can cause pain or lead to abnormalities such as changes in menstruation in the case of ovarian cysts. Depending on the severity of these symptoms, the doctor will decide whether to treat the cyst or leave it untouched until it heals on its own. In rare cases, cysts can develop into cancer; this is then referred to as degeneration. Strictly speaking, a cyst is already a tumor-like change, but it is initially benign in nature. This means that it does not spread and has clear margins – it could therefore be easily removed surgically and in this form does not lead to organ damage or life-threatening risks for the patient. The risk increases as the frequency of cysts increases, because this simply means there are more opportunities for cells to degenerate and subsequently develop a malignant cancer.
Prevention
Since a cyst usually forms due to heredity or hormonal changes, prophylaxis is not possible. Those who are already predisposed can prevent cyst formation again by taking prepared hormones. However, since such hormone preparations also have side effects, the intake should be preceded by a detailed discussion with the attending physician regarding the benefits and risks of such prophylactic treatment. Cysts that develop due to parasites such as tapeworms can be prevented indirectly. This includes not eating wild fruits in the forest unwashed, because the fox tapeworm can be absorbed into the human organism through the fruits (e.g., blueberries) with the feces of the fox.
This is what you can do yourself
Home remedies are often the most effective remedy for cysts.Moist heat, for example in the form of a compress or a wrap that is simply applied to the cyst, has proven particularly effective. If the cysts hurt, applications with tea tree oil or aloe vera are recommended. The latter kills the bacteria and thus contributes to rapid wound healing. In addition, a balanced diet with sufficient whole grain products and vegetables is recommended. Supplements of red shamrock or greater burdock can also be taken to strengthen the immune system and speed up the healing of cysts. Cleanliness is also particularly important. The affected area should be cleaned daily with an antibacterial soap and followed up with a skin care product from the pharmacy. To prevent further skin irritation, perfumes and similar cosmetic products should also be avoided. Avoiding stress can reduce the formation of cysts. Those affected should also make sure they get enough exercise and sufficient bed rest. In some cases, sebaceous cysts can be lanced independently with a sterile needle. First, however, the growth should always be examined and, if necessary, treated by a family doctor or [[dermatologist]] to avoid complications.
