A cyst is a sac-like structure that can form in various parts of the body. These formations can contain fluid, air, semi-solid material, or other substances. A fever indicates an elevated body temperature. A cyst can cause a fever, and understanding this connection is important for recognizing when medical attention is necessary.
How Cysts Cause Fever
A cyst can lead to a fever primarily through two mechanisms: infection and significant inflammation. When bacteria enter a cyst, they can multiply and cause an infection. This infection triggers the immune system to release pyrogens, which signal the brain to raise body temperature, resulting in a fever.
Even without infection, a cyst can cause substantial inflammation in the surrounding tissues. If the inflammation is severe enough, the body’s immune response can still lead to systemic symptoms, including fever. Inflammatory mediators, similar to pyrogens, can be released, affecting the body’s thermoregulation.
Types of Cysts That Can Cause Fever
Several types of cysts are known to cause fever. Sebaceous cysts, forming under the skin from blocked hair follicles or glands, are prone to bacterial infection. When infected, they can become red, painful, swollen, and lead to a localized or systemic fever.
Ovarian cysts, often asymptomatic, can cause fever if complications arise, such as rupture or torsion. Rupture can release fluid and contents into the abdominal cavity, causing significant inflammation, pain, and potentially fever. Ovarian torsion also leads to severe pain and an inflammatory response that elevates body temperature.
Kidney cysts are usually benign, but if infected, often from bacteria traveling up the urinary tract, they can lead to fever and flank pain. Pilonidal cysts, near the tailbone, frequently become infected, forming abscesses. These abscesses often present with intense localized pain, swelling, redness, and a high fever.
Accompanying Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
When a cyst causes a fever, it is often accompanied by other symptoms. Localized pain is a common indicator, often described as tenderness or throbbing at the cyst site. Redness and swelling around the cyst are also frequently observed, especially with superficial or infected cysts. Discharge, such as pus, may be present if the cyst has ruptured or is draining.
General malaise, fatigue, and chills can also accompany a fever-inducing cyst. It is important to seek medical attention if a fever develops alongside these symptoms. Immediate medical care is warranted for a high fever (above 102°F or 39°C), severe and worsening pain, or signs of a rapidly spreading infection. These signs can include confusion, rapid heart rate, or difficulty breathing.
Diagnosis and Initial Steps
Diagnosing a fever caused by a cyst typically begins with a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s symptoms. The medical professional will assess the cyst’s appearance, size, and tenderness. Imaging tests are often employed to visualize the cyst’s location, size, and characteristics, and to determine if it is infected or inflamed.
Common imaging modalities include ultrasound, which uses sound waves to create images, and computed tomography (CT) scans, which provide detailed cross-sectional views. Blood tests may also be conducted to check for signs of infection or inflammation, such as an elevated white blood cell count or increased inflammatory markers. Initial management often involves addressing the underlying cause, which may include antibiotics for bacterial infections or drainage of the cyst if it is an abscess.