Discovering What Causes Cysts To Form

By Amanda Clark

You have just left the doctor's office where you were told that you have a cyst. If you are like most people, you are wondering what causes cysts. To find that answer, you first need to know what a cyst is.

A cyst is a variously sized bag or sac like structure that is similar to a blister in nature, but is found inside of the body. They can either contain fluids, gases or even solid substances. Cysts form inside the tissue and are often found in many different places in the body. Cysts can vary in size from microscopic to very large. Some cysts are so large that they can give the appearance of full term pregnancy.

While technically, a cyst can refer to normal sacs found within the body, like the bladder, this article will use the term to refer to the abnormal growths found in the body.

Cysts are abnormal growths. They are not a normal part of the tissue where they are located. Cysts have a skin like cyst wall membrane that separate them from the other tissue. If that sac happens to be filled with pus, then it is not a cyst, but an abscess.

Cysts can be caused by many factors. Some of those include: tumors, genetic conditions, infections and many other factors. Your doctor can give you a better idea of the cause behind your cyst.

Most cysts that form are benign and may be caused by a duct or other body outlet that has been plugged, but some can be tumors or could be formed in a tumor. This type of cyst may even be malignant.

If the cyst is not located deep within the body, you may be able to see its outline under the skin. Come cysts may feel very hard as the pressure of the fluid builds up in them. Other cysts may only be discovered when you have a CAT scan or an MRI.

Some women form very painful cysts in the mammary glands. The cysts may be discovered when the woman is doing a self exam.

If a cyst is in the brain, it may cause headaches or other symptoms. - 31802

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