Cyst to Exist

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure that is an outgrowth from the body tissue where it formed. Cysts are quite common and appear anywhere in the body. Whatever your age is, you are susceptible to cyst formation.

Cysts may contain liquid, gaseous, or semisolid substances. They vary in size, with some microscopic in proportion while others could grow so large that they displace normal tissues or organs. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.

Cysts may occur as a result of developmental error during the embryonic stage of a pregnancy, or they may arise due to infections. Cysts, however, may also arise spontaneously with no apparent cause.

Causes of Cysts

To treat a cyst, you must first determine if it is in fact one. You could never be too certain. What seems to be a cyst may be a skin condition of a different nature. You never know, you might be looking at a boil, an acne, a blister, or just a part of your costume. To be certain, know the causes (and symptoms) of cysts and be able to distinguish cysts from cyst lookalikes.

Cysts could arise through a variety of processes in the body, including:

• Wear and tear or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid
• Infections
• Tumors
• Chronic inflammatory conditions
• Genetic or inherited conditions
• Defects in developing organs of the embryo

Symptoms of Cysts

You could detect a cyst by feeling and observing abnormal lumps in your body. Cysts on the skin or tissues beneath the skin are often palpable, as well as those in the mammary glands. You could actually feel them when you examine certain anatomical areas with your fingers.

Conversely, cysts on internal organs such as the kidneys and liver may not produce any symptom or may be undetectable even if you touch your body thoroughly for hours. These cysts are often discovered through imaging studies, such as the x-ray,ultrasound, computerized tomography (CAT Scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Symptoms of cysts may or may not manifest, depending on their size and location. (Want to know how MRI operates, read how does MRI work)

Types of Cysts

There are hundreds of cysts classified by the medical community, which is why cysts could arise in any part of the body deemed possible. Of course you could already eliminate the possibility of growth on a strand of hair or on any of your cuticles.

Here are some of the more well-known types of cysts:

• Cysts found in the breast which are part of the benign proliferative fibrosystic disease or fibrocystic breast disease
• Ovarian cyst, including dermoid cysts, is considered a specific type of ovarian tumor that often contains cysts and other tissues
• Cysts within the thyroid gland
• Baker cysts (popliteal) behind the knee
• Ganglion cysts of the joints and tendons (Learn how to get rid of ganglion cyst)
• Chalazions or the cysts of the eyelid glands
• Sebaceous cysts in the small glands of the skin (For sebaceous cyst treatments, see how to get rid of sebaceous cyst)
• Epidermal cysts on the skin, sometimes referred to as epidermal inclusion cysts
• Bartholin cysts, or the enlargement of small glands near the vaginal opening
• Pineal cysts that forms within the pineal gland of the brain
• Polycystic kidney disease, in which the kidneys contain multiple cysts; an inherited condition

The majority of cysts are benign, but may produce various symptoms due to their size or location. Cysts that come in contact with nerves may also cause pain.

If you have cysts, do not worry. Cysts are rarely associated with malignant tumors (cancerous) or serious infections. But be responsible and consult a doctor just to be sure. However, you need not write a bucket list just yet.

Also, consult your doctor immediately if any abnormal swelling or lump forms, mainly for peace of mind and the avoidance of irrational paranoia, if for anything else. Your doctor may recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the nature of the cyst.

Treatment for Cysts

Treatment for cysts depends on the cause (of formation) and location. Very large cysts that may cause symptoms could be surgically removed. Ask your doctor to know the proper course of action.

Cysts could also be diminished without any surgical procedure. Sometimes the fluid contained with a cyst could be drained by inserting a needle or catheter into its cavity, which would collapse the cyst. If the cyst is not easily accessible, you may opt for radiologic imaging, which is used for guidance in draining cyst contents.

If upon doctor's analysis the cyst is suspected to be cancerous, you may have to undergo surgery. A biopsy is also an option if suspicion arises. In this case, the cyst wall (capsule) is biopsied to rule out malignancy. In some cases, drained fluid from a cyst is examined under a microscope to determine the possibility of cancer.

If a cyst forms as part of a chronic medical condition, such as a polycystic ovary syndrome or fibrocystic breast disease, treatment, most probably, is directed at the underlying medical condition.

There is a common but mistaken notion that cysts could disappear without treatment. Possible? Yes. Chances of it happening? Slim, very slim.

It is therefore advisable to remove cysts immediately, even if no pain is felt. Playing Russian Roulette on your health is definitely not the best course of action.

Home Prevention and Remedy

The prevention of cysts and the inflammation of some parts of the body could be attained by simply taking vitamin C combined with herbal substances called bioflavonoids.

When it comes to ovarian cysts, women should maintain a healthy reproductive gland by taking food or supplement rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene. This healthy dietary approach helps maintain a healthy and fully functional ovarian lining, which decreases the possibility of cyst formation.

Though not medically proven, Colloidal Silver is a supplement that some people have had success with in terms of preventing cyst formation.

One home remedy that works in preventing cyst enlargement, and even diminishing the cyst, is using a clean cotton cloth as a cleaning material. Soak a clean cotton cloth in warm water and apply it over the cyst several times a day. This would help the fluids inside the cyst to die down or ooze out. If it indeed oozes out, clean the secretion with cotton and wash the area properly afterwards. Do not touch or squeeze the cyst at any point.

Cysts are unsightly outgrowths that may negatively affect your appearance and self-image. The removal of these potentially-harmful sacs should be prioritized upon discovery. Be responsible and research about the condition and consult an expert as soon as possible. The way to a happy life is a healthy body and a peaceful outlook. If you're interested in reading this article, you might as well read how to get rid of skin infection.