A cyst is a sac-like structure that forms within the body, typically filled with fluid, air, or other materials. These formations can develop in nearly any part of the body, including organs, bones, or beneath the skin. While the vast majority of cysts are benign, meaning non-cancerous, some can be cancerous or may indicate an underlying medical condition that requires attention.
What Are Cysts?
Cysts are common and can appear in various tissues throughout the body. They are closed sacs with a distinct membrane separating them from surrounding tissue. Most cysts are benign and often do not require medical intervention unless they cause discomfort, grow to a significant size, or present cosmetic concerns.
Common examples of benign cysts include epidermal cysts, which are small bumps filled with keratin. Ganglion cysts are a frequent type, typically appearing as gel-filled lumps along tendons or joints. Sebaceous cysts originate from blocked sebaceous glands. Ovarian cysts are common, typically fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in the ovaries; most are simple and benign.
When Cysts Can Be Cancerous
While most cysts are benign, certain characteristics or locations can raise suspicion for malignancy. Rapid growth, an irregular shape, or the presence of solid components within the cyst warrant closer investigation. Internal blood flow detected within a cyst can also be a concerning sign.
Some types of cysts or their locations are more frequently associated with cancerous potential:
- Complex ovarian cysts, which may have solid areas or multiple compartments, have a higher risk compared to simple fluid-filled ones.
- Breast cysts, particularly those that do not resolve after fluid aspiration or contain solid masses, require careful evaluation.
- Kidney cysts, especially those classified as higher Bosniak categories, may indicate a greater likelihood of malignancy.
- Pancreatic cysts, like certain mucinous or intraductal types, are considered precancerous and are routinely monitored.
General symptoms like unexplained weight loss, persistent pain, or changes in bowel or bladder habits, when associated with a cyst, should prompt immediate medical attention.
How Cysts Are Evaluated
Medical professionals evaluate cysts to determine if they are benign or potentially cancerous. The process often begins with a physical examination, where the doctor assesses the cyst’s size, consistency, and mobility. While a physical exam provides initial clues, it usually cannot definitively diagnose cancer.
Imaging techniques are used to visualize the cyst’s internal structure and differentiate between simple and more complex formations. Ultrasound is a common initial imaging tool, providing real-time images of fluid-filled sacs versus solid masses. For deeper or more complex cysts, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans offer detailed views, helping to identify solid components, irregular borders, or internal blood flow that could suggest malignancy. If a cyst appears to contain fluid, a fine needle aspiration may be performed for analysis. A definitive diagnosis often requires a biopsy, where a tissue sample from the cyst wall or any solid components is removed and examined by a pathologist for cancer cells.
What Happens If a Cyst is Cancerous?
If a cyst is confirmed to be cancerous, the course of treatment is individualized based on the specific type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options often involve surgical removal of the cancerous cyst and surrounding affected tissues. For instance, in cases of cancerous ovarian cysts, both ovaries, the uterus, and nearby tissues may be removed, potentially leading to early menopause.
Beyond surgery, other treatments may include chemotherapy, using drugs to kill cancer cells, or radiation therapy, using high-energy rays to destroy cancerous tissue. Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to attack cancer cells while minimizing harm to healthy cells. Early detection and prompt medical intervention are associated with more favorable outcomes. Therefore, any newly discovered lump or change in an existing cyst should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and management.