A cyst is a sac-similar pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow nigh anywhere in your torso or nether your skin.

There are many types of cysts. Most cysts are benign, or noncancerous.

Whether a cyst needs treatment depends on a number of factors, including:

  • the type of cyst
  • the location of the cyst
  • if the cyst is causing pain or discomfort
  • whether the cyst is inflamed or infected

If y'all're not certain if you take a skin condition, you can take a film and send it to an online dermatologist.

Cysts tin vary in advent depending on their blazon and location. Here are 11 types of cysts.

Warning: Graphic images alee.

Epidermoid cyst

  • An epidermoid cyst is a small, irksome growing, benign cyst almost commonly found on the face, head, cervix, back, or genitals.
  • It's commonly caused by a buildup of keratin nether the skin.
  • Information technology looks like a skin-colored, tan, or yellowish crash-land filled with thick material.
  • Information technology may go swollen, cherry-red, or painful if information technology'due south inflamed or infected.

Read more about epidermoid cysts.

Sebaceous cyst

close-up of a sebaceous cyst behind the left ear Share on Pinterest
Photography courtesy of Klaus D. Peter, Wiehl, Germany/Wikimedia Commons
  • A sebaceous cyst is found on the face, neck, or torso.
  • It's usually caused by trauma or harm to the sebaceous glands, such as from cuts or surgical wounds.
  • A large cyst may crusade pressure and pain.
  • It's noncancerous and very slow growing.

Read more about sebaceous cysts.

Breast cyst

  • Almost breast lumps (such every bit cysts) are noncancerous, simply there are many possible causes for a lump in your chest.
  • Instead of performing a breast self-examination, information technology'due south important to be familiar with how your breasts typically feel so you're aware of changes. This mode, you're more likely to observe changes right away.
  • Y'all should brand an engagement to run across a healthcare professional if:
    • you notice a new lump
    • an area of your breast is noticeably different than the balance
    • a lump changes or grows larger
    • you notice unexpected discharge from the nipple
    • you have an inverted nipple, and it wasn't ever inverted

Read more virtually chest lumps.

Ganglion cyst

  • A ganglion cyst is a circular, gel-filled lump of tissue that usually appears along tendons or joints, specially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and anxiety.
  • Fluid accumulation tin can occur due to injury, trauma, or overuse, just oftentimes the cause is unknown.
  • A ganglion cyst is mutual, harmless, and doesn't crusade pain or problems unless it grows and puts pressure on other structures.

Read more about ganglion cysts.

Pilonidal cyst

  • A pilonidal cyst is a common peel condition that forms in the cleft at the superlative of the buttocks. It typically occurs afterward puberty.
  • Information technology's believed to exist caused by a combination of changing hormones, hair growth, and friction from clothes or from spending a long fourth dimension sitting.
  • It consists of a small pigsty or tunnel in the peel that may become infected and fill with fluid or pus.
  • Signs of an infection include:
    • pain when sitting or standing
    • cherry or sore skin effectually the expanse
    • pus or blood draining from the abscess, causing a foul odor
    • swelling of the cyst
    • pilus protruding from the lesion

Read more than nigh pilonidal cysts.

Ovarian cyst

  • Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on 1 or both of the ovaries.
  • They may develop as a normal role of the reproductive bicycle or be pathologic.
  • They may be asymptomatic or painful.
  • Symptoms include:
    • abdominal bloating or swelling
    • painful bowel movements
    • pelvic hurting before or during the menstrual cycle
    • painful intercourse
    • pain in the lower dorsum or thighs
    • chest tenderness
    • nausea
    • airsickness
  • Severe symptoms such as sudden, sharp pelvic pain, fever, faintness, or dizziness are signs of cyst rupture or ovarian torsion.

Read more well-nigh ovarian cysts.

Baker's (popliteal) cyst

  • A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that causes a lump at the back of the human knee.
  • This condition is due to a problem that affects the knee articulation, such as arthritis, inflammation from repetitive stress, or a cartilage injury.
  • Symptoms include:
    • balmy to severe pain
    • tightness
    • express range of motion
    • swelling backside the knee
    • bruising on the knee and calf
    • rupturing of the cyst
  • A Bakery's cyst often doesn't demand handling and will go abroad on its own.

Read more about Bakery'due south cysts.

Pilar cyst

  • A pilar cyst is a noncancerous, skin-colored, circular crash-land that develops under the surface of the skin. It'southward usually located on the scalp.
  • This type of cyst is caused by protein buildup in a hair follicle.
  • It'southward painless, business firm, smooth, and slow growing.

Read more than nigh pilar cysts.

Mucous cyst

  • A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled swelling that occurs on the lip or the rima oris.
  • It develops when the mouth'south salivary glands become plugged with mucus.
  • It's usually acquired by trauma to the oral fissure, such as lip biting, piercings, and salivary gland disruption.
  • Mucous cysts are small, soft nodules that are pinkish or blueish.

Read more about mucous cysts.

Branchial crack cyst

large branchial cleft cyst on the right side of the neck of a man
Photography by BigBill58/Wikimedia Commons
  • A branchial crack cyst is a type of developmental irregularity in which a lump develops on one or both sides of the cervix or below the collarbone.
  • It occurs during embryonic development when tissues in the neck and collarbone, or branchial crack, develop differently.
  • In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn't dangerous. However, it may cause skin irritation, pare infection, or — in very rare adult cases — cancer.
  • Symptoms in children include:
    • a dimple, lump, or skin tag on the neck, upper shoulder, or slightly beneath the collarbone
    • fluid draining from the neck
  • Children and adults may feel swelling or tenderness that usually occurs with an upper respiratory infection.

Read more virtually branchial cleft cysts.

Perineural (Tarlov) cyst

  • A perineural cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the spine.
  • Causes are unknown, but it may outcome from back trauma. Types of trauma associated with this cyst include falls, injuries, and heavy exertion.
  • Symptoms are rare. In these cases, it may cause pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Read more than about perineural cysts.

A pseudocyst shares some of the characteristics of a cyst, but the bump doesn't have its ain lining. Here are 3 types of pseudocysts.

Folliculitis (ingrown hair cyst)

  • Folliculitis describes a category of skin conditions that cause inflammation in a hair follicle and are commonly infectious.
  • Ingrown hair cysts are a type of folliculitis. They outset off as hairs that grow down or sideways instead of out, condign ingrown.
  • Folliculitis is common among people who shave, wax, or use other methods to remove hair.
  • Folliculitis appears as pimple-like bumps nether the skin that may exist ruddy, white, or yellowish, with or without a central visible hair.
  • Bumps that announced near an ingrown hair are more likely to be pseudofolliculitis barbae (razor bumps) than ingrown hair cysts.
  • Ingrown hair cysts may become infected and appear red, warm, and tender to the touch.

Read more about ingrown pilus cysts.

Chalazion

  • A chalazion is a pocket-size, normally painless lump or swelling on your upper or lower eyelid.
  • Information technology's caused by a blocked meibomian gland. The meibomian gland is a type of oil gland.
  • Information technology may be cherry-red, swollen, and painful if an infection is present.

Read more than about chalazia.

Cystic acne

  • Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne, and it develops when bumps form deep underneath your skin.
  • It can result from a combination of hormone changes, bacteria, oil, and dry peel cells that get trapped in your pores.
  • Cystic acne may occur on the face up, breast, cervix, dorsum, and artillery. Large, painful, pus-filled bumps and nodules may class, rupture, and leave scars. They may appear red or skin-colored, depending on your skin tone.

Read more almost cystic acne.

A cyst tin announced as a bump on your skin. It may as well feel like a minor lump if information technology's growing simply under your skin.

Some cysts grow deep within your torso where yous tin can't feel them. All the same, they may cause or be related to other symptoms.

For case, ovarian cysts, such every bit those that result from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may crusade problems with ovarian and reproductive function. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), which causes cysts to form in the kidney, can adversely affect kidney office.

Cysts ordinarily grow slowly and accept a smoothen surface. They can be tiny or very big.

Most cysts aren't painful. They unremarkably don't cause bug unless they're:

  • infected
  • very large
  • impinging on a nerve or claret vessel
  • growing in a sensitive surface area
  • affecting the function of an organ

Cysts and pseudocysts form for unlike reasons. They can exist acquired by:

  • infections
  • inherited diseases
  • genetics
  • chronic inflammation
  • blockages in ducts

The exact crusade depends on the type of cyst or pseudocyst.

There are hundreds of different types of cysts and pseudocysts. They can grow almost anywhere in your body.

Some cysts occur equally part of another condition, such as PCOS or PKD. Some of the more than common types of cysts and pseudocysts include the following:

Epidermoid cyst

These are pocket-sized, benign bumps filled with the protein keratin. If y'all have trauma around a hair follicle within the peel, an epidermoid cyst may occur.

If office of the elevation layer of your peel, called the epidermis, grows deeper instead of moving outward toward the surface to eventually exist shed off, an epidermoid cyst will have a chance to form.

In rare cases, epidermoid cysts can be caused by an inherited status called Gardner'southward syndrome.

Sebaceous cyst

Sebaceous cysts fill with sebum and are less common than epidermoid cysts. They often form inside sebaceous glands, which are function of the pare and hair follicles.

Sebaceous glands make oil for your skin and hair. Ruptured or blocked sebaceous glands can lead to sebaceous cysts.

Breast cyst

Benign cysts can develop in your breasts when fluid collects nearly your breast glands. They can crusade pain or tenderness in the affected area.

They normally occur in female person breast tissue in those in their 30s and 40s.

Ganglion cyst

These beneficial cysts usually form near the joint areas of your wrist or hand. Even so, they can besides develop in your feet or ankle areas. The reason they form isn't known.

Ganglion cysts tend to occur forth a tendon sheath nearly a joint. They're more common in women than in men.

Pilonidal cyst

Pilonidal cysts course near the top function of the buttocks. They're ordinarily filled with pare debris, body oils, hair, and other matter.

They occur more oftentimes in men than in women. They can develop when loose hairs get embedded in your skin.

Chronic infections in these cysts might increase your risk of a blazon of skin cancer chosen squamous jail cell carcinoma. If you take these chronic infections, learn the symptoms of pare cancer so it can be treated early.

Ovarian cyst

Ovarian cysts often form when the follicle that normally releases an egg doesn't open up. This causes fluid to build up and form a cyst.

Some other common type of ovarian cyst occurs subsequently the follicle releases the egg and improperly recloses and collects fluid.

Ovarian cysts occur virtually often in those of menstrual age. They're commonly found during pelvic exams.

Ovarian cysts are associated with an increased run a risk of cancer when they occur after menopause.

Baker's (popliteal) cyst

A Bakery'south cyst, also known as a popliteal cyst, is a fluid-filled cyst that forms at the dorsum of the knee.

These cysts are unremarkably acquired by issues with the knee joint, such as injury or arthritis. Mobility can be limited and painful with a Baker'south cyst.

Concrete therapy, fluid draining, and medication can all be used to help treat a Baker'south cyst.

Pilar cyst

Pilar cysts are skin-colored, benign lumps that form on the peel's surface. They're non cancerous, but they can grow to a size that tin can be uncomfortable.

Removal is typically not necessary, but they tin be removed for cosmetic purposes.

Mucous cyst

A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms on the lip or around the mouth when the salivary glands become plugged with fungus. The most common causes of mucous cysts include:

  • lip or cheek biting
  • lip piercings
  • rupture of the salivary gland
  • improper dental hygiene

Mucous cysts will often become away on their own. However, if you lot have recurring or frequent mucous cysts, you may need medical handling.

Branchial cleft cyst

Branchial cleft cysts are a type of developmental irregularity that causes a lump on an infant'south neck or beneath the collarbone. This cyst can look like a big skin tag.

Healthcare professionals commonly recommend surgical removal to prevent futurity infection.

Perineural (Tarlov) cyst

A perineural cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the spine.

Near people won't have symptoms, so they won't demand handling. If you exercise have symptoms, draining the fluid tin help to relieve them.

Chalazion

Chalazia are benign pseudocysts that occur on your eyelids when the duct of the meibomian gland, an oil gland, is blocked.

These pseudocysts tin can cause tenderness, blurred vision, and painful swelling. If they get too big, they can cause vision problems.

Cystic acne

Cystic acne results from a combination of bacteria, oil, and dead skin clogging the pores. Information technology'southward the nearly severe type of acne, simply it usually improves with historic period.

Cystic acne tin look like large, pus-filled boils on the pare. It can also be painful to the touch.

If you believe you may accept cystic acne, your dermatologist can prescribe medications to help treat it.

Folliculitis (ingrown hair cyst)

Folliculitis is an inflammatory and usually infectious condition. Information technology can form when a hair grows into the pare and a pseudocyst forms near it.

These pseudocysts are often seen in people who use pilus removal methods similar shaving or waxing. Ingrown pilus cysts are an example of folliculitis.

While ingrown hair cysts are possible, if you take bumps that appear virtually ingrown hairs, there's a adept chance that they're actually razor bumps instead.

Razor bumps are also known as pseudofolliculitis barbae, which is a blazon of pseudofolliculitis. Unlike folliculitis, pseudofolliculitis isn't usually infectious.

Most of the time, medical care isn't needed to treat folliculitis or razor bumps. Withal, encounter a healthcare professional if you lot suspect the ingrown pilus cyst or razor bump is infected.

Schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional if your cyst becomes very painful or inflamed. This could be a sign of a rupture or an infection.

They should check your cyst fifty-fifty if information technology isn't causing any pain or other problems. Differences in these growths tin be a symptom of cancer. A healthcare professional person may want to remove a tissue sample for testing.

You should never try to squeeze or popular a cyst or pseudocyst yourself. This can lead to infection.

In some cases, they improve on their ain. Putting a warm compress on a cyst can speed upward the healing process past helping it bleed.

In other cases, medical care is required.

Medical care

Common methods of medical treatment for cysts include a healthcare professional:

  • using a needle to drain fluids and other matter from the cyst
  • giving y'all medications, such as a corticosteroid injection, to reduce inflammation in the cyst
  • performing surgical removal of the cyst, which may exist done if draining doesn't work or if you take an internal cyst that'south hard to achieve and requires treatment

If you're concerned virtually your cyst and don't take an established relationship with a healthcare professional person, y'all tin view doctors in your expanse through the Healthline FindCare tool.

Benign cysts and pseudocysts usually don't cause long-term problems. Sometimes they even become away on their own.

Cysts can refill after being drained. If yous take a cyst that continues to refill, y'all may want to consider having information technology surgically removed.

If you have cancerous cysts, your healthcare professional will talk over handling with you. The outlook volition vary depending on the type of cancer involved.

Most types of cysts and pseudocysts can't be prevented. However, there are a few exceptions.

Those prone to ovarian cysts may be able to forbid new cysts from forming past using hormonal contraceptives.

Yous tin can prevent pilonidal cysts from forming by keeping the skin in the afflicted surface area clean and dry. Getting up every and so oft instead of sitting for a long fourth dimension can also help prevent these cysts.

Cleaning your eyelid almost the eyelash line with a gentle cleanser tin help go along the oil ducts from condign blocked. This may help forestall chalazia.

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