Friday, October 30, 2009

Are You Wondering What Causes Cysts?

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.

Cysts are sac like structures that are somewhat like a blister, but are formed inside the body. They may cither contain a gas, liquid or even semi-solid type substance. They form inside a tissue and may be found anywhere in your body. Cysts may be of various sizes, from microscopic to large enough to displace the organs of the body.

In the discipline of anatomy, the term cyst can be used to refer to normal sacs found in your body, such as your bladder. However, in this article we will use the term only in reference to the abnormal growths.

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 tumors, wear and tear, genetic conditions or many other conditions. Ask your doctor why your cyst formed.

Fortunately most cysts are benign. They may have been caused by a duct or other outlet from the body being plugged. Some cysts may be malignant however. They are usually tumors or formed inside tumors.

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.

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