Body Cysts: Types, Causes, and What You Need to Know

Okay, so those little bumps and lumps that pop up on our skin – are they cysts? What are they, exactly? Seems like something we’ve all dealt with at one point or another, right? But do we know enough about them?

We’re going to dive in a little deeper to understand more about body cysts, their types, what causes them, and what you should probably know about them… let’s go!

• Characteristics of Cysts
• Causes of Body Cysts
• Types of Cysts
• When to See a Doctor
• Treating Cysts
• Can We Prevent Cysts?

Characteristics of Cysts

You’ll usually see a cyst as a visible, obvious lump under the skin. It’s basically a sac filled with fluid or some other material. Sometimes, they’re tiny; other times, they can get pretty big. Depending on where it is on your body, you can usually identify it visually.

Now, different types of cysts show up for different reasons. Because of that, what they look like and where they pop up can vary. For example:

• Cysts that show up after an injury are often linked to inflammation from the injury itself, so you might find them on areas prone to bumps and bruises.
• Cysts linked to skin conditions such as acne could appear as small, fluid-filled bumps clustered around your pores.

Most of the time, these cysts grow slowly and stay fairly small. Their surface feels smooth, and they’re usually not painful or anything to worry about, unless, in some cases:

• The cyst becomes inflamed.
• The cyst grows really big, which is a pain.
• The cyst bleeds when touched or scratched.
• The cyst grows in a sensitive area of your body.
• The cyst grows on a vital organ inside your body.

But what if you notice a bump that *doesn’t* quite fit the “cyst” description? What if it’s hard, immovable, and maybe a little tender? Well, that might not be a cyst at all! It could be a lipoma, which is a benign fatty tumor, or even a lymph node swelling in response to an infection. Always a good idea to check with a doctor if you’re unsure!

Causes of Body Cysts

Body cysts? There are a bunch of different causes for them. Here are some of the common ones:

• Infections or inflammation.
• Genetic disorders, um, thanks, family.
• Clogged ducts or openings in the body.
• Problems with organs in the body.

The specific reason a cyst pops up depends on the type of cyst and where it shows up.

Types of Cysts

There’s a whole range of different cysts out there, and they can show up and grow anywhere on your body. Some pop up because of infections or because you’ve got a medical condition. Here are some common types of cysts:

1- Epidermoid Cysts

These cysts are filled with keratin (that protein that makes up our hair and nails). They usually show up when hair follicles get damaged. The opening of the skin gets blocked, allowing the cells to move deeper, instead of shedding. What results from that is a lump, in other words, an epidermoid cyst.

Now, sometimes, these cysts show up because of a genetic condition, specifically, Gardner syndrome.

2- Sebaceous Cysts or Oil Cysts

Sebaceous cysts form inside of your sebaceous glands. These are the glands in your skin and hair follicles that produce oil. If one of these glands gets damaged or blocked, that is when a sebaceous cyst will appear.

They’re not as common as epidermoid cysts, though.

3- Ganglion Cysts

These cysts typically form on the hands and wrists, especially the back of your hand, and, yeah, they can even show up on your fingers. Why do they show up? Well, no one really knows the exact reason.

These ganglion cysts are more common in women than in men.

4- Mucous Cysts

Mucous cysts usually pop up when one of the glands that makes mucus gets blocked. So, no mucus can leave the gland, which causes a cyst to form.

There’s also another type of cyst that shows up if a joint leaks fluid and the fluid builds up into a sac, creating a cyst.

These are common in women during menopause. It’s also possible you’ll get them if you take certain medications to help control the flow of fluids in your body.

5- Breast Cysts

These cysts can show up in one or both breasts when fluid builds up around the mammary glands. They’re pretty common in women in their 30s and 40s, and can sometimes be related to pain or tenderness in the affected area.

6- Chalazion or Eyelid Cyst

A chalazion is a cyst that shows up on the eyelid because of a blocked oil gland. The cyst might form in response to a local infection, and it can also be related to a pre-existing skin condition like rosacea or dermatitis. This type of cyst can sometimes cause vision issues.

If the chalazion gets really big, it might cause problems with your vision.

7- Hair Cysts

Hair cysts show up near the scalp and contain fluid, skin cells, and hair follicles. They often feel like small, firm bumps under the skin.

Hair cysts are more common in men, specifically, and they might appear after shaving your head and cutting the hairs under the skin.

We’ve talked about common types of cysts, but there’s another interesting area often overlooked: cysts related to dental health! Did you know that cysts can form in your mouth and jaw? These are usually caused by infections, impacted teeth (like wisdom teeth that don’t erupt properly), or even developmental issues. They can be painless at first, but if left untreated, they can cause swelling, pain, and even damage to the surrounding bone and teeth. Dentists usually discover these through X-rays and may recommend procedures like root canal therapy or surgical removal to address them. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a great way to help prevent these types of cysts!

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if the cyst gets red, painful, swollen, or warm. This could mean the cyst is infected or that it is putting pressure on a nerve.

Generally, it’s a good idea to see a doctor even if the cyst isn’t painful, but you notice redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain, as this could be a sign of an infection.

Treating Cysts

The treatment for cysts depends on the type of cyst.

1- Conservative Management

In some cases, you might be able to leave the cysts alone without any medical intervention. Applying warm compresses to the area can help, promoting drainage and clearing out the fluid naturally.

It’s important to *not* try to pop or squeeze the cyst yourself. This can lead to infections, inflammation, and scarring. Trust us on this one.

2- Medical Treatment

Common medical approaches to cyst treatment include the following options:

• The doctor might drain the cyst contents using a sterile needle.
• The doctor might prescribe medication to help reduce inflammation and prevent the cyst from growing.
• In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the cyst if draining the fluid from it doesn’t work. It’s possible that cysts are in places in the body that need to be surgically removed.

Can We Prevent Cysts?

You can’t really prevent getting cysts, but there are things you can do to reduce your chances of getting them. Here are some of them:

• For women, avoid things that cause hormonal imbalance.
• Keep your eyelids clean, especially around the eyes. This can help to keep debris from the surface and block the tear ducts from getting filled with oils that cause eyelid cysts.
• Avoid tight clothes, because they might cause cysts.
• Keep the skin clean. Regular showering helps prevent cyst formation.

Key takeaways

• Cysts are common, often harmless sacs filled with fluid or other material that can appear anywhere on the body.
• Proper hygiene, avoiding irritants, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the likelihood of cyst formation.
• While many cysts resolve on their own or with simple home care, medical attention is crucial for infected, painful, or rapidly growing cysts.

FAQ, Myth & Facts

Are cysts cancerous?

Most cysts are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. However, in rare cases, a cyst may contain cancerous cells, so it’s essential to have any suspicious growths evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Can I pop a cyst myself?

It’s generally not recommended to pop a cyst yourself. Doing so can introduce bacteria, leading to infection and inflammation. Additionally, improper popping can cause scarring and may not fully resolve the cyst, leading to recurrence.

Are cysts contagious?

Cysts are generally not contagious. They form due to various factors such as blocked glands, infections, or genetic conditions, rather than being transmitted from person to person.

Myth: All cysts require immediate medical treatment.

Fact: Not all cysts require immediate medical treatment. Many small, painless cysts may resolve on their own or with simple home care measures like warm compresses. However, any cyst that is painful, inflamed, rapidly growing, or causing other symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Are certain people more prone to developing cysts?

Yes, certain individuals are more prone to developing cysts based on factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and underlying medical conditions. For example, individuals with acne-prone skin may be more likely to develop sebaceous cysts, while women in their reproductive years may be more susceptible to breast cysts.