Cyst Growth: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Have you ever noticed a small lump on your skin or felt a strange bump somewhere on your body? If you’ve come across the term "ciss growth" and wondered what it means, you’re likely looking for information on cyst growth. This article will clarify this common health concern by exploring what cysts are, why they form, how they're diagnosed and treated, and when you should see a doctor.

What is a Cyst? (Understanding "Ciss" vs. Cyst)

A cyst (commonly misspelled as “ciss”) is a closed, sac-like structure that can develop nearly anywhere in the body, including the skin, organs, and bones. It is a capsule filled with fluid, pus, or semi-solid material. Cysts vary in size from microscopic to large masses that can displace internal organs.

Most cysts are non-cancerous (benign) and do not spread to other parts of the body. While many are harmless and may resolve on their own, some can cause pain or discomfort depending on their size and location.

Why the Confusion with “Ciss”? The word “cyst” is pronounced "sist," which can lead to spelling confusion. If you searched for “ciss growth,” you're in the right place to learn about cysts.

Common Types of Cysts and Their Growth

Cysts can occur anywhere in the body. Below are some of the most common types.

Skin Cysts (Epidermoid & Sebaceous Cysts)

• Epidermoid Cysts: These are small, round bumps just beneath the skin, often on the face, neck, or torso. They form when surface skin cells move deeper and multiply, creating a sac filled with keratin. They are typically slow-growing and painless unless they become inflamed or infected.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Originating from oil glands (sebaceous glands), these cysts are filled with an oily substance called sebum. They commonly appear on the scalp, face, and upper body. Like epidermoid cysts, they are usually benign and slow-growing but can become painful if they rupture or get infected.

Skin cysts can remain the same size for years or enlarge slowly. They sometimes have a visible central pore, and pressing them may release a thick, cheesy, foul-smelling substance.

Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or inside an ovary. They are very common, especially during childbearing years. Most are functional cysts, which form as a part of the normal menstrual cycle and usually disappear on their own within a few months. Other types include:

• Dermoid Cysts: Can contain tissues like hair, fat, or teeth.
• Endometriomas: Caused by endometriosis.
• Cystadenomas: Can grow very large.

Most ovarian cysts are small and cause no symptoms, but large cysts can lead to pelvic pain, bloating, or pressure. A large cyst that ruptures or causes the ovary to twist (ovarian torsion) is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention.

Breast Cysts

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the breast, often feeling like smooth, movable, round, or oval lumps. They are common in women in their 30s and 40s and are often related to hormonal changes. Breast cysts can become tender or painful, especially before a menstrual period. They are usually benign and do not increase the risk of breast cancer, but any new breast lump should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

Other Common Types of Cysts

• Pilonidal Cysts: Occur near the tailbone and often contain hair and skin debris. They can become infected and form a painful abscess.
• Baker’s Cyst: A fluid-filled swelling behind the knee, often caused by arthritis or a knee injury.
• Ganglion Cysts: Jelly-like lumps that typically develop along tendons or joints of the wrists, hands, or feet.
• Kidney and Liver Cysts: Simple cysts in these organs are common with age and are often discovered incidentally during imaging tests. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a serious genetic condition where clusters of cysts impair kidney function.

Causes of Cyst Growth

Cysts form for various reasons, including:

• Blocked Ducts or Glands: Fluid accumulates when its normal drainage path is blocked.
• Infections: Bacteria can cause a pus-filled cyst or abscess to form.
• Inflammation: Chronic irritation can trigger cyst formation, such as a Baker's cyst from knee joint inflammation.
• Cellular Abnormalities: Cells may multiply or move abnormally, such as in epidermoid cysts.
• Genetic Conditions: Inherited disorders like Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) cause numerous cysts.

Cysts grow as they continue to accumulate fluid or other materials. While some remain stable, others may enlarge over weeks or months. Rapid growth warrants a medical evaluation.

Symptoms of Cysts

Many cysts cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they depend on the cyst's size and location and may include:

• A Visible Lump or Bump: Especially for cysts on or under the skin.
• Pain or Tenderness: Occurs if the cyst becomes inflamed, infected, or presses on a nerve.
• Pressure or Fullness: Large internal cysts can cause bloating or a feeling of fullness.
• Changes in Organ Function: Cysts can sometimes interfere with how an organ works, such as kidney cysts in PKD affecting kidney function.
• Redness and Warmth: These are signs of infection within a cyst.

Cyst vs. Tumor: What’s the Difference?

A common concern with any new lump is whether it might be cancer. Here’s how cysts and tumors differ:

• Composition: A cyst is a sac filled with fluid, pus, or semi-solid material. A tumor is a solid mass of tissue.
• Mobility: Skin cysts are often movable, whereas malignant tumors may be fixed to surrounding tissues.
• Diagnosis: A doctor can often tell the difference with imaging tests like an ultrasound, which shows if a mass is fluid-filled (cyst) or solid (tumor). A biopsy may be needed to confirm a diagnosis.

According to the American Cancer Society, “Cysts are typically not cancerous. However, some cancers can cause cysts. It’s important to have a doctor examine any new or changing growth to determine the proper diagnosis.”

How Are Cysts Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Physical Examination: A doctor will feel the lump to check its texture, size, and mobility.
• Imaging Tests:
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to determine if a mass is fluid-filled or solid. It's commonly used for breast, ovarian, and other soft-tissue cysts.
  • CT Scan or MRI: Provide detailed images of internal cysts in organs like the kidneys, liver, or brain.
  • Mammogram: Used to investigate lumps in the breast.
• Biopsy: A small sample of fluid or tissue is removed with a needle (fine-needle aspiration) or through a small incision and examined under a microscope to rule out cancer.

Treatment and Management of Cysts

Treatment depends on the cyst's type, location, size, and symptoms.

• Watchful Waiting: Small, asymptomatic cysts often require no treatment and may resolve on their own. A doctor may recommend monitoring it.
• Home Care: A warm compress can help drain some small skin cysts. Never try to squeeze or pop a cyst yourself, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
• Medications:
  • Antibiotics: Prescribed for infected cysts.
  • Hormonal Contraceptives: Can help prevent the formation of new functional ovarian cysts.
• Drainage (Aspiration): A doctor uses a needle to withdraw fluid from the cyst. This provides relief but may not prevent recurrence if the sac remains.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and swelling in certain types of cysts, like ganglion or acne cysts.
• Surgical Removal: For cysts that are large, painful, persistent, or cosmetically bothersome, surgical removal is an effective option. Removing the entire cyst wall helps prevent it from growing back. This is often a minor outpatient procedure for skin cysts.

Preventing Cysts and Managing Recurrence

Whether a cyst can be prevented depends on its type.

• Skin Care: Good hygiene and using non-comedogenic products can help prevent clogged pores that lead to some skin cysts.
• Manage Underlying Conditions: Properly managing conditions like PCOS can reduce the formation of associated cysts.
• Avoid Irritation: For pilonidal cysts, avoiding prolonged sitting and tight clothing can help.

Cysts can recur if the entire sac is not removed. If you have recurrent cysts, your doctor may recommend a more definitive treatment like surgical excision.

When to See a Doctor

While most cysts are harmless, you should see a healthcare provider if a lump:

• Grows rapidly.
• Becomes painful, red, or warm.
• Ruptures or drains pus.
• Changes in appearance.
• Interferes with your daily activities.
• Causes you worry or concern.

It is always best to have any new or persistent lump evaluated to ensure a proper diagnosis.

Conclusion

Finding a lump or "cyst growth" can be unsettling, but the vast majority of cysts are benign and often require simple treatment or no treatment at all. Understanding the different types, causes, and symptoms can empower you to make informed decisions about your health. If you are ever unsure about a new growth, consulting a healthcare professional is the best course of action. They can provide an accurate diagnosis, offer peace of mind, and recommend the appropriate treatment if necessary.

Helpful Resources & Further Reading

For more information, consult these reliable sources:

• Mayo Clinic: Epidermoid Cysts and Ovarian Cysts
• WebMD: What Is a Cyst?
• NHS (UK National Health Service): Skin Cysts
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Ovarian Cysts FAQ
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)