A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, the cyst could go away by itself or will have to be removed using surgery.
Locations
Cystic fibrosis
Despite being described in 1938 as involving the microscopic appearance of cysts in the pancreas1 cystic fibrosis is an example of a genetic disorder whose name is related to fibrosis of the cystic duct and does not involve actual cysts.2
Benign vs malignant
Many cysts in the body are benign (functional), the result of plugged ducts or other natural body outlets for secretions. However, a few are tumors or are produced within tumors, and are potentially malignant:
Related structures
A pseudocyst is collection without a distinct membrane.
A syrinx in the spinal cord or brainstem is sometimes inaccurately referred to as a cyst.
References
- ^ Anderson, D.H. (1938). "Cystic fibrosis of the pancreas and its relation to celiac disease". Am J Dis Child 56: 344–399.
- ^ Greenholz SK, Krishnadasan B, Marr C, Cannon R (1997). "Biliary obstruction in infants with cystic fibrosis requiring Kasai portoenterostomy". J. Pediatr. Surg. 32 (2): 175–9; discussion 179–80. doi:10.1016/S0022-3468(97)90174-3. PMID 9044117.
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