#Heath Info: What Is Cyst? What Causes Cyst?

A cyst is a closed capsule or sac-like structure, typically filled with liquid, semisolid or gaseous material - very muc like a blister.

Cysts occur within tissue, and can affect any part of the body. They vary in size from microscopic to the size of some team-sport balls - large cysts can displace internal organs.

In anatomy, a cysts can also refer to any normal bag or sac in the body, such as the bladder. In this article, cyst refers to an abnormal sac or pocket in the body that contains either liquid, gaseous or semi-solid substances.

A cyst is not normal part of the tissue where it is located. It has a distinct membrane and division on nearby tissue - the outer or capsular portion of a cyst is call the cysts wall. If the sac is filled with pus it is not cyst, it is an abscess.

The English word cyst comes from the Latin word cystis, which came from the Ancient Greel word kystis, meaning "bladder" or "pouch".

What causes cysts?
Cysts can be caused by:
- Tumors
- Genetic conditions.
- Infections
- A fault in an organ of a developing embryo
- A defect in the cells
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Blockages of ducts in the body which cause a fluid build-up
- A parasite
- Impact injury that breaks a vessel

Benign and maglinant cysts
Most cysts are benign and are caused by plugged ducts or other antural body outlets of secretion. However, some cysts may may be tumors and are formed inside tumors - these can be potentially maglinant. Examples include keratocysts and dermoid cysts.

What are the possible signs and symptoms of a cyst?
Signs and symptoms vary enormously, depending on what type of cysts it is. In most cases the patient become aware of an abbnormal lump - as it is usually the case with cysts of the skin or just below the skin.

A cyst in the mammary glands (breast) may be noticeable when the breast are  examines by touching them - the lump will be palpable. Breast cysts are often painful.

Some cysts in the brain can cause headaches, as well as other symptoms.

Manay internal cysts, such as those in the kidneys or the liver may not have any symptoms and go unnoticed until an imaging scan (MRI scan, CAT scan, ultrasound)

What is the treatment of a cyst?
Treatment for a cyst will depend on a various factors, including the type ofa cyst, where it is, its size, and the degree of discomfort it is causing.

A very large cyst that causes symptoms can be surgically removed. Sometimes the doctors may decide to drain or aspirate the cyst by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity. If the cyst is not easily accessible, drainage or aspiration is often done with the help of radiologic imaging so that the doctor can accurately guide the needlt/catheter into the target area.

Sometimes aspirated liquid is examined under a microscope to determine whether cancerous cells are present.

If doctors suspect the cyst may be cancerous it may be removed surgically, or a biopsy of the capsule (cyst wall) may be ordered.

Many cysts arise as a result of a chronic or underlying medical condition, as may be the case with fibrocystic breast disease or polycystic ovary syndrome - in such cases the focus of treatment is on the medical condition.

Information from Medical News Today.