A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that can form in various parts of the body, containing fluid, air, or other substances. While many cysts are harmless and may not cause any symptoms, they can lead to a fever under certain circumstances. A fever often signals that the body’s immune system is actively responding to an underlying issue, such as an infection or significant inflammation.
How Cysts Can Lead to Fever
Cysts can cause a fever primarily through infection, inflammation, or rupture. When bacteria enter a cyst, often through a break in the skin or from nearby tissues, it can lead to an infection. The body’s immune response to this bacterial invasion involves sending white blood cells to the area, resulting in inflammation, pus formation, and a systemic reaction that includes fever.
Even without overt infection, a cyst can become inflamed due to irritation, rapid growth, or chemical leakage if its contents are irritating to surrounding tissues. This localized inflammation can trigger a broader immune response, leading to a fever as the body attempts to manage the irritation. If a cyst ruptures, its internal contents can spill into the surrounding area, causing significant irritation and inflammation. Rupture can also create an entry point for bacteria, potentially leading to secondary infection and fever.
Common Cysts Associated with Fever
Several types of cysts are commonly linked to fever, often due to their propensity for infection or rupture. Sebaceous cysts, which form when oil glands in the skin become blocked, can become infected. This leads to redness, pain, and fever.
Pilonidal cysts, typically found near the tailbone, are another common type that can become severely infected. When infected, these cysts can cause significant pain, swelling, and fever, sometimes accompanied by flu-like symptoms, nausea, and vomiting. Ovarian cysts, while often asymptomatic, can lead to fever if they rupture, become twisted (torsion), or get infected. Kidney cysts, though usually benign, can also cause fever if they become infected or rupture, leading to pain and other symptoms.
Recognizing When to Seek Medical Care
Recognizing when a cyst-related fever warrants medical attention is important to prevent complications. Individuals should seek medical evaluation if they experience a high or persistent fever, especially if it is above 101° Fahrenheit (38.3° Celsius), alongside a suspected cyst. Rapidly worsening pain, increased redness, or swelling around the cyst area are also concerning signs that indicate a possible infection or significant inflammation.
The presence of pus or foul-smelling drainage from the cyst signals an active infection requiring prompt medical care. Other systemic symptoms, such as chills, body aches, confusion, dizziness, or general malaise, suggest a more widespread issue or severe infection. Individuals with compromised immune systems or other chronic health conditions should seek medical advice, as infections can become more severe for them.