Cysts Causes, Treatments and More

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Cysts, Types.' Cincinnati Childrens, www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/cysts-types
• 2. 'Skin Cyst.' NHS Choices, NHS, 15 Apr. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-cyst/
• 3. 'Epidermal Inclusion Cyst: Treatment & Diagnosis.' Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21465-epidermal-inclusion-cyst
• 4. Aboud, Daifallah M. Al. 'Pilar Cyst.' StatPearls /[Internet/]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 25 Feb. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534209/
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• 6. 'Ganglion Cyst.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 30 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ganglion-cyst/symptoms-causes/syc-20351156
• 7. 'Baker's Cyst (Popliteal Cyst) - OrthoInfo - AAOS.' OrthoInfo, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/bakers-cyst-popliteal-cyst/
• 8. 'Ovarian Cysts.' Office on Women's Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/ovarian-cysts
• 9. 'Common Benign Lumps.' Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/common-benign-lumps
• 10. 'Bartholin Gland Cyst.' Bartholin Gland Cyst | Michigan Medicine, www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/tw2685
• 11. 'Nabothian Cyst: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001514.htm
• 12. 'Simple Kidney Cysts.' National Kidney Foundation, 3 Feb. 2017, www.kidney.org/atoz/content/simple-kidney-cysts

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A cyst is a sac filled with fluid or other materials that may appear anywhere on or in the body. Cysts may present as lumps or bumps beneath the skin, but they may also develop inside the body. It's common for doctors to label cysts based on the body part where they appear, and they can sometimes arrive at a diagnosis based on the appearance of the cyst and the way it feels.

Cysts may be as small as a pea or a few centimeters in diameter. They usually don't hurt and tend to grow slowly.¹‘Cysts, Types.’ Cincinnati Childrens, www.cincinnatichildrens.org/health/c/cysts-types^,2‘Skin Cyst.’ NHS Choices, NHS, 15 Apr. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-cyst/

Epidermal Inclusion Cysts

Typically seen on the face, ears, back, neck and scalp, epidermal inclusion cysts are a common type of benign skin tumor. Movable and with a central pore, these cysts contain broken-down keratin, which appears whitish with a cheese-like consistency.

An epidermal inclusion cyst may develop when a hair follicle becomes clogged, particularly in those with acne. It may also occur as a result of a penetrating injury. People with certain genetic conditions or those who take certain medicines, such as cyclosporine, may be more likely to develop epidermal cysts. Treatment isn't always necessary, but a doctor may drain the cyst or remove it surgically.³‘Epidermal Inclusion Cyst: Treatment & Diagnosis.’ Cleveland Clinic, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21465-epidermal-inclusion-cyst