Try adjusting your type
14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can form anywhere within the body as a result of various causes such as infections, genetical conditions, or blockages in ducts. Though most cysts are benign, they can sometimes lead to serious complications, and as such, medical advice should be sought when one is discovered.
Healthcare, being a complex area of study, encompasses a lot of terms and conditions that might be challenging to comprehend. A better understanding of these medical terms can provide a more transparent insight into our health and daily lives. One such fundamental term requiring focus is the “cyst.” Despite its prevalence, the subject remains unfamiliar to most people.
We delve deeper into the world of cysts, offering a comprehensive guide on what they are, their types, causes, symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and prevention approaches. We highlight its importance to facilitate early detection, better management, and increased public awareness regarding cysts.
In the simplest terms, a cyst can be defined as a closed sac-like pocket of tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. They can form anywhere in the body, vary in size, and are usually non-cancerous (benign).
However, many confuse cysts with other types of body growth. While tumors, abscesses, and even pimples share similar characteristics with cysts such as abnormal growth containing fluid or semi-solid substance, a distinguishing feature is that a cyst is encapsulated within a distinct membrane separate from the surrounding tissue, unlike other growths.
Cysts can be broadly categorized into various types based on their location, cause, and content. Some of the common forms include ovarian cysts, breast cysts, sebaceous cysts (skin or scalp), kidney cysts, and ganglion cysts (hand or wrist). These are often harmless and can sometimes resolve on their own.
But lesser-known types like dermoid cysts (a type of teratoma that may contain a range of cell types including hair, teeth, or bone) or pilonidal cysts (a painful cyst that develops near the tailbone) should not be overlooked. Although rare, these cysts may sometimes become problematic if left unchecked.
The causes of cyst development vary according to their type. Hormonal imbalances can cause ovarian cysts, while blocked hair follicles can lead to sebaceous cysts. Some cysts may also be congenital, where individuals are born with them.
The risk factors for cyst formation include being female, due to the higher incidence of ovarian and breast cysts, and having a history of prior cysts. Individuals with certain genetic disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) are also more susceptible to cyst formation.
Most cysts are benign and don’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, if the cyst is large or causes secondary effects like inflammation or hormone production, symptoms including pain, skin redness or swelling may occur. Certain cysts may also lead to visible lumps or changes in organ function.
As for cyst detection, doctors may palpate manually for lumps or use imaging techniques like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRI. In some cases, a biopsy might be conducted to rule out malignancy.
The treatment approach for cysts depends on their type, size, location, and if they are causing any symptoms. Observation is often sufficient for small, asymptomatic cysts. However, interventional procedures like aspiration or surgical removal may be necessary for larger, symptomatic, or potentially malignant cysts.
For prevention, maintain a healthy lifestyle and regularly examine your own body for lumps or changes in organ function. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential for early detection and management.
Cysts are a common medical condition that can occur in various parts of the body. Though mostly benign, proper understanding, early detection, and appropriate management play a crucial role in minimizing complications and enhancing health outcomes.
Emphasizing the importance of regular check-ups provides a higher chance for early cyst detection, a better therapeutic approach, and overall superior disease management.
No, most cysts are benign and not cancerous. However, some cysts may have the potential to become cancerous if left unchecked. Therefore, any new or changing lumps should be evaluated by a doctor.
Yes, certain types of cysts can resolve on their own over time. However, some may require medical intervention, especially if they are large, causing symptoms, or potentially cancerous.
In many cases, you would not be aware of a cyst unless it’s large enough to cause a noticeable lump, pain, or discomfort. Imaging tests performed for other reasons can sometimes accidentally discover cysts.
There are many types of cysts, with one of the most common types being an epidermoid cyst, which forms when the top layer of skin cells gets trapped underneath the skin and starts to grow in a sac.
Home remedies aren’t typically recommended without medical supervision. But in some instances, warm compresses can help relieve discomfort caused by some cysts. However, any new or changing cyst should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Share it
You might also like
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering?
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
n the realm of literature that offers solace and guidance in the face of profound despair, there exists an international best-seller, a timeless masterpiece whose relevance remains as potent today as it was upon its initial publication.
A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose
In A New Earth, Tolle expands on these powerful ideas to show how transcending our ego-based state of consciousness is not only essential to personal happiness, but also the key to ending conflict and suffering throughout the world.
At its heart, Paulo Coelho's masterpiece unfolds the mystical journey of Santiago, an unassuming Andalusian shepherd boy whose heart brims with a longing for adventure and the pursuit of a treasure that exists far beyond the confines of the material world.
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha
Within the pages of "Radical Acceptance," readers discover a profound message: the affirmation of our complete selves. Tara Brach gently guides us to recognize and embrace every facet of our being—the light and the shadow, the joy and the sorrow.
When Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon, was asked to give such a lecture, he didnt have to imagine it as his last, since he had recently been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave, Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams, wasnt about dying.
The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life’s Hurdles
Everyone needs resilience, and now two expert psychologists share seven proven techniques for enhancing our capacity to weather even the cruelest setbacks.
