Cysts
A cyst is an enclosed pocket or pouch of tissue that is filled with material such as air, fluid, parasites or pus. Cysts can occur in any tissue in the body. For example they are found in the lungs and kidneys, in ear canals and on the scalp. Cysts are common in women's breasts and ovaries and in extreme cases of acne.
When cysts form and swell in a woman's breast near the time of her period, this is called fibrocystic breast disease. It is a common, benign hereditary disorder, found in six out of 10 women between ages 30 and 50. Normally, it subsides during menopause.
Ovarian cysts are not related to disease. They form during the ovulation phase of a woman's menstrual cycle when the sac, or follicle, that carries the egg grows without rupturing and releasing it. Such cysts can occur any time from puberty to menopause. Usually such cysts disappear on their own in a few months without treatment.
Common ovarian cysts should not be confused with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an intricate hormonal disorder that is one of the leading causes of infertility. PCOS also results in obesity, metabolic disruptions such as abnormal glucose tolerance, excessive hair growth in areas more co mmonly associated with men, and disruptions in a woman's menstrual cycle.
Acne is another cause of cysts. As with all types of pimples, cystic acne forms when the body's oil glands produce an increased level of sebum. This oil plugs hair follicles, trapping bacteria. The area around the follicle swells into a red bump. If this occurs close to the skin, that's a pimple. If it is deeper, cysts can form. There is a high incidence of acne associated with PCOS.
Other, less common cysts:
A nabothian cyst is found on surface of the cervix (the part of a woman’s uterus that extends into the vagina). They look like small, white, pimples but they are mucus-filled cyst that form when the nabothian glands on the cervix become blocked and fill with secretions. These are not cancerous and usually don’t cause problems or need treatment.
A Baker’s cyst is found on the back of the knee. It is benign but can be painful and annoying. In adults, it can be associated with associated with a tear in the meniscal cartilage of the knee. It can be drained if it becomes large or painful.
A sebaceous cyst is found beneath the skin, usually on the face, neck or trunk, and usually contains pasty- or cheesy-looking material. They are benign but may become tender or infected. They can be treated by surgery.
A pilonidal cyst is formed when a pilonidal sinus (a small pit) in the sacral area just at the top of the crease between the buttocks, becomes infected. They are treated by surgery to prevent the spread of the infection.
What to Do
Call your doctor if you have any new lump or cyst; or a change in an existing one.
Call your doctor if your breast tissue is painful and irregular. Although the dense tissue may make it difficult for a radiologist to read your mammography, breast X-rays are recommended. If cysts are large and painful, your doctor may want to drain them with a fine needle. In addition, a biopsy may be needed to rule out malignancies. Also call your doctor if you notice a change in your normal menstrual pattern or if you have pelvic pain, pain during intercourse or abdominal pain. Talk to your doctor if you have tried home acne treatments for two months, but they have failed to work.
Use Medicine Effectively
For polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), your doctor may prescribe hormones and other medications as treatment.
For cystic acne, Benzoyl peroxide can help clear up cystic acne. It can be purchased over-the-counter in creams, lotions, gels, soap or pads and should be spread over the entire area where acne occurs. Start with a 5 percent solution, once a day, then work up to two applications daily. Gently wash skin with soap and water before each application. If the acne doesn't clear within two months, consult your physician.
Special Concerns for Children With Cysts
Call your child's doctor if she reaches puberty but fails to have a period. For teens with cystic acne, realize that it is one of the most difficult forms of acne to treat. It is one of the most misunderstood adolescent ailments because it is not caused by dirt or diet as commonly believed.
Self-care Steps for Cysts
If you have fibrocystic breast disease, restrict the amount of fat in your diet to about 25 percent of your total caloric intake; eliminate caffeine from your diet; and do a monthly breast self examination.
If you have an ovarian cyst, it will usually disappear within two months without treatment.
For polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), your doctor may tell you to lose weight.
Decision Guide For CystsSymptoms/Signs | Action |
|---|
Fibrocystic breast disease: Dense, irregular, lumpy breast tissue Breast fullness Painful or tender breasts, particularly around the menstrual period Itching on nipple
| Call provider's office |
Ovarian cysts: Abnormal menstrual patterns Pelvic pain/ Pain during intercourse In PCOS, an abnormally light period or no period; also infertility, obesity, a swollen abdomen and increased growth of body hair on the face
| Call provider's office |
Cystic acne: Hard red bumps on skin Bumps filled with pus
| Call provider's office |
