1. An Uncomfortable Sac
If you've ever had a cyst, you know that it doesn't feel quite right. That's because it's not supposed to be there. Cysts, which can occur all over the body, are sacs filled with a liquid or semi-solid structure. A layer, known as the capsule, surrounds the cyst. While some cysts are small and barely visible to the human eye, other cysts grow large and cause significant discomfort.
2. The Impetus for a Cyst
Some cysts are better known than others. For example, you may have heard of an ovarian cyst, but you probably haven't heard about a bartholin cyst. Since cysts can occur anywhere in the body, there's a wide range of likely cysts. Cysts that are more common include baker's cysts, sebaceous cysts, ganglion cysts and pineal cysts. Cysts may also arise from conditions including polycystic kidney disease and fibrocystic breast disease.
3. The Signs of a Cyst
Frequently, cysts appear as small lumps under the surface of the skin. Generally, you can feel and see these. Other cysts, such as those occurring in the breast, are palpable but not visible. There are some cysts, which are not palpable and can't be seen. These cysts occur within the organs of the body. Ovarian cysts or kidney cysts are examples of cysts that can't be felt or seen. However, both cysts can produce symptoms, such as pain and abnormal functioning of the organs.
4. Finding the Cyst
When a cyst isn't palpable or visible to the naked eye, doctors use tests to locate it and determine it's size, shape and severity. Tests used to view cysts include x-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography (CAT Scan) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Occasionally doctors opt to evaluate cysts through exploratory surgery. For example, doctors frequently examine ovarian cysts using laparoscopic surgery. This type of surgery involves a small incision, through which the doctor inserts a scope to gain a clear view of the cysts.
5. Treat Your Cyst
Doctors decide how to treat a cyst after evaluating the cyst's location and the resulting symptoms. If the cyst is filled with fluid, then the doctor may opt to drain it with a needle. This generally collapses the cyst. If doctors are concerned about whether the cyst is malignant, a biopsy is done or the cyst is surgically removed. The doctor then sends a sample of the tissue for microscopic analysis. Occasionally, cysts grow back and must be removed using surgical techniques.
