Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues and organs. This can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain. The relationship between lupus and the development of cysts is not always a direct cause-and-effect. Instead, it can involve underlying inflammation, side effects from medications, or simply the incidental presence of common cysts.
Inflammation and Cyst Development
Lupus is characterized by widespread inflammation throughout the body. This chronic inflammation can lead to the formation of certain types of fluid-filled sacs or swellings. For instance, joint inflammation or arthritis in lupus can contribute to the development of Baker’s cysts, which are fluid accumulations behind the knee. These cysts form when excess joint fluid, often due to inflammatory conditions, is pushed into a sac-like structure.
Inflammatory joint conditions associated with lupus may also exacerbate the formation of synovial cysts or ganglion cysts. These fluid-filled sacs typically develop near joints or tendons, commonly around the wrists, fingers, or feet. While not directly caused by lupus, their development can be influenced by the ongoing inflammation in the surrounding tissues. Inflammation of bursae, which are fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints, can also occur in lupus, leading to a condition called bursitis. This inflammation results in swelling that can feel like a cyst.
Lupus Medications and Cysts
Medications used to manage lupus can sometimes be associated with the appearance of growths or conditions that might be mistaken for cysts. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are frequently prescribed to reduce inflammation in lupus. However, long-term use of these medications can lead to fat redistribution in the body. This can manifest as a “buffalo hump,” an accumulation of fat at the back of the neck and shoulders. While not a true cyst, this growth can be visually prominent.
Corticosteroids can also contribute to the development of steroid-induced acne, which may include cystic lesions. Other immunosuppressant medications used in lupus treatment typically do not directly cause cysts, though they can increase susceptibility to infections that might lead to abscesses or other localized swellings.
Common Cysts and Lupus
Many types of cysts are common in the general population, and their presence in someone with lupus does not automatically mean they are caused by the disease. These common cysts are often benign and discovered incidentally during examinations or imaging. For example, ovarian cysts are very common in women, and most are functional and resolve on their own.
Epidermoid cysts are also frequently observed skin growths. These benign cysts are filled with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails, and commonly appear on the face, neck, or torso. Thyroid cysts are another common finding. Most thyroid cysts are benign fluid accumulations. Simple kidney cysts are also very common, particularly in people over 50. These kidney cysts are usually harmless and rarely affect kidney function.
When to Consult Your Doctor
If you have lupus and discover a new cyst or lump, it is advisable to discuss it with your healthcare provider. Certain characteristics of a growth warrant prompt medical attention. These include rapid growth or sudden appearance of the lump.
Any associated pain, redness, or tenderness around the cyst should also be evaluated, as these could indicate infection or inflammation. Seek medical advice if you notice changes in the cyst’s shape, size, or texture. Your doctor can assess the growth and determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary.