11 Most common types of cysts and how to treat

Cysts are types of nodules filled with a liquid, semi-solid or gaseous content, like bag species, and are, in most cases, benign and asymptomatic. They can develop anywhere in the body, being more common in organs such as the breast, thyroid, ovaries, liver or joints, for example.

There are several causes that lead to cysts such as infections, trauma, obstruction of the sebaceous glands, or even for reasons of genetics. They usually do not need treatment, except in situations that require further investigation or when they have suspicious characteristics of severity, and can be aspirated with specific needles or removed with surgery.

There are several types of cysts, which must be evaluated and identified by the doctor. However, here is a brief summary of the most frequent ones:

1. Ovarian cyst

The ovarian cyst, in most cases, is benign, not representing any risk to the woman's health. Usually, they arise due to hormonal changes present throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, menopause or with the use of certain hormonal drugs, for example.

Most of the time, simple ovarian cysts do not need any treatment and can regress spontaneously, however, there are situations in which they need to be removed with surgery, such as when they grow too much and cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, when they present some type of complication, such as breaking or twisting, or when the ultrasound shows suspicious characteristics of malignancy, such as rapid growth, containing solid parts or blood vessels, for example, and the use of oral contraceptives or analgesic drugs may also be recommended by the doctor.

There are several types of cyst in the ovary, see which ones, how to identify and treat.

2. Naboth cyst

The Naboth cyst can form in the cervix, due to the accumulation of mucus released by the Naboth glands, when its ducts become blocked and prevent the passage of mucus.

These cysts are common in women of childbearing age and are not a cause for concern, as they are usually benign. However, these nodules do not always heal spontaneously, and treatment with electrocautery may be indicated. Learn more about this type of cyst.

3. Baker's cyst

Baker's cyst arises in the knee joint, being seen as a lump located on the back of the knee. It arises due to the accumulation of fluids in the joint, and although it does not always cause symptoms, it can cause pain and stiffness in this location, making it difficult to move the knee.

Usually this cyst arises due to problems in the knee that cause injuries or wear to its structures, such as osteoarthritis, meniscus injury, rheumatoid arthritis or gout, for example. Learn how to identify this cyst and what is the treatment.

Usually this type of cyst does not need treatment, however, in cases where there is pain, physiotherapy, fluid aspiration or surgery, which is indicated when the cyst ruptures, may be recommended.

4. Sebaceous cyst

The sebaceous cyst is a kind of lump that forms under the skin, filled with keratin and other materials derived from the skin, also called sebum, white in color, semi-solid and soft to the touch.

This cyst usually forms after trauma to the skin or within hair follicles, it is benign and does not need any treatment. However, if it becomes uncomfortable, grows too much or causes pain due to inflammation or infection, removal is done by simple surgery, usually by the dermatologist. See what the surgery consists of.

5. Kidney cyst

The simple cyst in the kidney is usually benign and does not usually cause symptoms, requiring only follow-up by the doctor.

However, if the ultrasound exam shows suspicious signs of a serious injury, such as an abscess or cancer, the doctor should indicate a more thorough investigation, with tomography, magnetic resonance and, if necessary, a puncture to analyze its content. See more about kidney cyst.

6. Pilonidal cyst

The pilonidal cyst is characterized by a pouch consisting of material from sebaceous and sweat glands, in addition to pieces of skin and hair, which usually develops at the end of the spine, just above the buttocks, generating symptoms such as pain, swelling, heat and fissures in the skin.

The main form of treatment is its removal through surgery. Learn more about how to form and how to treat this cyst.

7. Bartholin cyst

The Bartholin cyst occurs due to an obstruction of the Bartholin gland, which is located in the anterior part of the vagina and which is responsible for lubricating it during intimate contact.

This cyst is usually painless, does not cause symptoms and can heal without the need for treatment, unless the cyst becomes inflamed or infected, and the use of anti-inflammatories, antibiotics or even surgery may be indicated. Know what can cause the appearance of Bartholin's cyst.

8. Synovial cyst

The synovial cyst is a benign tumor, filled with transparent liquid, which forms next to joints, especially the wrist, but also knees, ankles or feet.

Although its exact causes are not explained, it can be associated with trauma, repeated stress injuries or joint defects, and although it does not always cause symptoms, it can cause pain, loss of strength and sensitivity in the area, in addition to aesthetic complaints. See more about the synovial cyst and when treatment is needed.

This cyst can disappear on its own, however in case of having a large size, the doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and perform liquid aspiration.

9. Arachnoid cyst

The arachnoid cyst is a collection of cerebrospinal fluid between the membranes that cover the brain, and it usually tends to be congenital, that is, being born with the baby, what can happen is brain damage, tumors or infections, with meningitis.

Normally these cysts are asymptomatic, however, if they grow, they can cause brain damage, so they need treatment, which is done with surgery. See more about symptoms and treatment.

10. Cyst in the liver

The simple cyst in the liver, for the most part, produces no symptoms or any changes in the body. In addition, it is not usually serious and is not a sign of cancer, but one should be vigilant and if it increases in size or suspicious characteristics of malignancy appear on examination, the doctor may indicate specific treatments. Learn more about cyst in the liver.

11. Cyst in the breast

Breast cysts are usually asymptomatic and benign, and usually appear in women aged 15 to 50 years. Most of the time, it is only necessary to monitor the lesion, however, when they cause pain, discomfort, grow over time or when they start to show other characteristics suggestive of malignancy, they should be punctured by the doctor for a better evaluation of their content. Know when the cyst in the breast is at risk of becoming cancer.

Although they can appear at any age, cysts in the breast are more common in women between 40 and 50 years of age and are formed by liquids, most of the times it is recommended to drain the liquid, which promotes the relief of symptoms.

Possible causes

The cyst can be caused by several factors, depending on its type and location. Some of the most common causes are:

• Infections; Defects in the baby's development; Genetic factors; Tumors; Defects in the cells; Inflammatory diseases; Injuries or trauma to the affected tissues; Blockage of glands; Hormonal changes; Pregnancy.

In some cases, they can also develop due to injuries or trauma to the tissues of the affected region, which is common in cysts that appear in the joint region, for example.

Can cysts turn into cancer?

Generally, cysts are benign nodules and can disappear even without treatment. However, they should always be watched because, in some cases, they can grow a lot or have suspicious characteristics, such as having a solid content, requiring further investigation and treatments guided by the doctor.