A new lump or bump often triggers concern about cancer. Cysts are common, and understanding them is a frequent subject of inquiry. This article clarifies the distinctions between cysts and cancerous growths, explaining what cysts are, how they differ from tumors, and when they might warrant further medical attention.
What Are Cysts?
A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that can form in almost any part of the body, including organs, bones, and soft tissues. These sacs are typically filled with fluid, air, pus, or other semi-solid materials. Most cysts are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and generally harmless. Their size can vary greatly, from microscopic to large enough to displace internal organs.
Cysts develop from blockages in the body’s natural drainage systems, infections, or inflammation. Common locations include the skin, ovaries, kidneys, and breasts. Many cysts do not cause symptoms and may disappear on their own without treatment.
Cysts Versus Cancerous Growths
A fundamental difference exists between a cyst and a tumor, which is an abnormal mass of tissue. Cysts are typically fluid-filled sacs, while tumors are usually solid masses formed by abnormal cell growth. In tumor formation, old cells may persist, and new ones grow excessively.
Most cysts are benign and do not contain cancer cells; they do not “transform” into cancer. Concern often arises from misidentification, or when a growth initially thought to be a cyst turns out to be a solid tumor. While some cysts can be complex, they are distinct from malignant tumors.
When a Cyst Requires Further Investigation
While most cysts are benign, certain characteristics or symptoms may indicate a need for medical evaluation. Any new lump or bump should be checked by a healthcare provider, especially if it changes in size, shape, or causes discomfort. Pain, rapid growth, or changes in the appearance of the overlying skin, such as discoloration, can be reasons for concern. If a cyst interferes with organ function, this also warrants investigation.
Specific types of cysts or their features can prompt closer monitoring. Complex ovarian cysts, with irregular borders, thick walls, or solid components, carry a higher chance of malignancy and often require further assessment. Similarly, certain pancreatic cysts, particularly mucinous cystic neoplasms, have the potential to harbor or become cancerous. Simple kidney cysts are rarely cancerous, but complex kidney cysts with thickened walls or solid material may need additional imaging and monitoring.
Diagnosis and Management
When a cyst causes concern, healthcare providers employ various methods to determine its nature. A physical examination is often the first step to assess the lump. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI, help visualize the cyst’s internal structure, size, and composition. These scans can differentiate between fluid-filled sacs and solid masses.
If imaging reveals solid components within a cyst or suspicion of malignancy, a biopsy may be performed. This procedure involves taking a tissue or fluid sample for microscopic examination to check for cancer cells. For fluid-filled cysts, fine needle aspiration might be used to drain and analyze the fluid.
Management of cysts varies depending on their type, size, location, and whether they cause symptoms or raise cancer concerns. Many benign cysts that are not causing problems may not require any treatment and can be simply observed. If a cyst is painful, infected, or cosmetically bothersome, options include draining the fluid with a needle or surgical removal. Surgical removal is typically considered for cysts that are large, symptomatic, or have features suggestive of malignancy. It is important to consult a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management plan.