Guide To The Common Types Of Cysts

Cysts are pockets of tissue that resemble sacs. They can occur in nearly any part of the body or underneath the skin. A typical cyst will be comprised of a membrane that houses air, fluid, pus, or another substance. Many different kinds of cysts exist. The majority of cysts are noncancerous, otherwise known as benign, and not all cysts need treatment. Whether or not a cyst needs to be medically treated will vary depending on if it's infected, causing discomfort or pain, where it's located, and what type it is. A dermatologist is the main doctor who can diagnose and treat cysts on the skin. Patients can often determine what type of cyst they have by comparing different kinds of cysts through descriptions and images.

These are some of the most common types.

Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst is a common type of benign cyst found on the skin. Most sebaceous cysts are located on the chest, neck, or face. They aren't life-threatening, and they tend to have slow growth cycles. If sebaceous cysts continue to grow unchecked, they might lead to discomfort. Sebaceous cysts are formed from the sebaceous gland, which is the gland that produces the oils in the skin and hair. If the gland or duct through which the gland releases oil becomes blocked or damaged, a cyst can develop. The most common cause of a blocked or damaged gland is an injury. Some traumas might be so small that individuals barely notice them, like a scratch, and others might be ongoing skin conditions like acne. Surgical wounds also might cause trauma to the sebaceous gland that leads to a cyst. Some individuals might not notice the growth of the cyst until weeks or months after the trauma occurs. Other common causes of this type of cyst include a deformed or misshapen duct, and some individuals might develop them due to certain genetic conditions.

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Cystic Acne

Cystic acne is a severe form of acne that generally requires medical treatment to get better. This skin condition occurs when there's blockage of the pores in the skin, which causes inflammation and infection. Most individuals with cystic acne have breakouts on the face, but it's also possible for cysts to form on the upper chest and arms. About eighty percent of individuals between eleven and thirty years old will experience some form of acne. However, cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, and it's much rarer to occur. While older individuals can have cystic acne, most who experience it are adolescents going through puberty. This is because of the serious hormonal changes and fluctuations that occur in the body during this time. Cystic acne isn't related to greasy foods, chocolate, or poor hygiene. Many cystic acne breakouts are painful to the touch, and some patients might also experience emotional distress because of how it affects their appearance.

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Ingrown Hair Cyst

An ingrown hair cyst forms when individuals have an ingrown hair that becomes a cyst. Ingrown hair cysts tend to be large bumps extending beneath the surface of the skin. Some ingrown hair cysts won't even reach the skin's surface, but others might lead to problems on the skin. When ingrown hair cysts appear on top of the skin, they tend to look like an acne cyst crossed with a normal ingrown hair. The most common cause of ingrown hair cysts is hair removal. Individuals who wax, shave, or otherwise remove their hair are at a higher risk of developing an ingrown hair cyst. Some individuals want to remove the cysts due to their appearance and their potential to mar the skin, but it's important to monitor the cyst for signs of infection. Before the cyst forms, individuals might discover a bump similar to a pimple with a hair on its surface. As the cyst forms, the small bump becomes much larger. This cyst might be yellow, white, or red. Some individuals might experience pain or tenderness when touching it.

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Epidermoid Cyst

An epidermoid cyst, one of the most common and slowest growing types, is a small and hard lump that develops under the skin. This type of cyst won't cause symptoms, and almost none are cancerous. The most common places for an epidermoid cyst to form are the head, back, neck, genitals, and face. These cysts have a size range that's typically anywhere from a quarter-inch at the smallest to two inches in diameter at the largest. The appearance tends to be a small bump, and the color is generally yellow or tan. The fluid inside is smelly and thick. One important note is an epidermoid cyst doesn't cause pain, so if individuals do experience pain when touching the cyst, it's not an epidermoid type. Generally, epidermoid cysts can be ignored. These cysts are most often caused by keratin buildups in the skin. Keratin is a naturally occurring protein, but it can become trapped below the skin if a hair follicle or skin cell is damaged. Excessive sun exposure, HPV infection, acne, and skin injuries are all common causes.

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Baker's Cyst

A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, occurs when the popliteal space, the space behind the knee, becomes swollen. The cyst can lead to knee pain and stiffness. Individuals with a Baker's cyst tend to experience worsening pain if they fully extend or flex the affected knee, or if they move their knee joint around a lot. The name for the condition comes from Dr. William Morrant Baker, who was the surgeon who first described the cyst. Women over forty years old are the most likely group to develop this cyst. Some of the symptoms include pain in the calves and knees plus locking of the joints. This type of cyst often resolves without needing medical treatment. It occurs when swelling and inflammation affects the knee joint, usually because of arthritis or gout.