They can appear quickly or grow slowly over time.
Most cysts are benign (not cancerous) and can appear almost anywhere in the body.
They are typically painless and do not require treatment.
jarabee123 / iStock / Getty Images
Treatment options range from watchful waiting to surgery.
This article discusses the different types of cysts, their causes and symptoms, and how they are treated.
to seek medical care.
Epidermoid Cysts and Sebaceous Cysts
These cysts occur under the skin.
Sebaceous cystsare a throw in of skin cyst but differ from epidermoid cysts.
Sebaceous cysts are less common and are sparked by glands that secrete oily matter that lubricate hair and skin.
Trauma to the skin or blocked glands is often thought to cause these cysts.
The most effective treatment is the complete surgical removal of the cyst.
They are rubbery and firm or soft swellings.
They are usually painless unless they are pressing on a nerve.
Most of these cysts do not require treatment.
But treatment is often non-surgical.
Baker’s Cyst
These cysts are also called popliteal cysts.
They are brought on by an accumulation of trapped joint fluid found behind the knee.
Bakers cysts are often associated with arthritis, knee overuse, or knee injury, such as torn cartilage.
Inflammation may also be present.
Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts can develop inside or on the exterior of an ovary.
They often develop as a result of the hormones released during a menstrual cycle.
Ovarian cysts usually dont cause symptoms and are discovered during physical exam or ultrasound.
Breast Cysts
These cysts are noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs located inside the breast.
They can range in size from small to large, causing discomfort.
Hormonal changes are thought to cause breast cysts.
These cysts may become painful in the days prior to your menstrual cycle.
Breast cysts are diagnosed by breast exam, mammogram, and ultrasound.
They can also be diagnosed and treated with fine-needle aspiration, which removes the fluid from the cyst.
Hormone therapy and surgery are other treatment options that are used less frequently.
Cysts develop in this area when a duct becomes blocked.
The cause of the blockages is often unknown.
Bartholins gland cysts are diagnosed by physical exam or biopsy.
They will likely start with a physical exam and examine the shape and size of the cyst.
Infection is a major concern because it can lead to more serious problems such as sepsis.
If a cyst is infected, your healthcare provider will prescribe medication to treat it.
Infections are important to address.
If an infected cyst ruptures it can lead to more serious issues such as sepsis.
Often no treatment is necessary for a cyst.
Sometimes cysts will go away on their own but if not, you have options to treat them.
Contact your healthcare provider for more information.
Harvard Health Publishing.Cysts (overview).
Zito PM, Scharf R.Epidermoid cyst.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Ganglion cyst.
Frush TJ, Noyes FR.Baker’s cyst: Diagnostic and surgical considerations.Sports Health.
2015;7(4):359-365. doi:10.1177/1941738113520130
Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.
American Cancer Society.Fibrocystic changes in the breast.
2019;22:e00115.
