<%@ Language=JavaScript %> Adult Dermatology6
 

  

           A Professional Association

             185 Page Rd. -  Suite A  -  Pinehurst, NC  28374

             Phone:  (910) 295-5567           Fax:  (910) 295-3315

Stephen E. Rostan, MD

R. Carter Grine, MD

Board Certified By the American Board of Dermatology and Dermatopathology

Board Certified By the American Board of Dermatology

Pamela Guest, MD

  

Board Certified By the American Board of Dermatology

 Elena M. Avila, PA-C

 


Adult Dermatology

Cysts

The Many Types, Causes and Treatments

What is a cyst? By definition a cyst is a sac or closed pouch located within the skin or body that contains fluid, semi fluid or solid material.

There are many different varieties of cysts occurring within the body.

A solid filled cyst like the sebaceous cyst is made up of material such as sebum and skin (epithelial) debris and has a cheesy texture. These cysts form in the ducts of the sebaceous glands. It is also known as an epidermoid cyst.

One of the most common cysts found in women are uterine fibroids. These are also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas. Uterine fibroids are growths that form on the interior or exterior muscular wall of the uterus. Although they are benign growths they can cause problems that may require treatment and can even involve the cervix. Fibroids are made up of abnormal muscle cells, not fibrous cells as their name suggests. They can also be classified as intramural, subserosal or sub mucosal depending upon their location. Fibroids that are attached by a stalk are referred to as pedunculated.

20% to 30% of all women will develop fibroids in their late 30s and 40s. Fortunately, they are less common after one reaches menopause as estrogen levels drop significantly. Fibroids can be genetic and are more common among African American women.

Cyst Treatment

The treatment for a cyst depends upon the cause of the cyst along with its location. Cysts that are very large and result in symptoms due to their size may be surgically removed. Sometimes the fluid contained within a cyst can be drained, or aspirated, by inserting a needle or catheter into the cyst cavity, resulting in collapse of the cyst. Radiologic imaging may be used for guidance in draining (aspirating) cyst contents if the cyst is not easily accessible.

If there is any suspicion that a cyst is cancerous, the cyst is generally removed by surgery, or a biopsy is taken of the cyst wall (capsule) to rule out malignancy. In certain cases, aspirated fluid from a cyst is examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present in the cyst.