Whenever we feel a new lump or bump somewhere on our body, we might immediately think the worst: cancer. But not all lumps are cancerous tumors. Some are cysts, and there’s a difference.
That’s not to say that if you feel something new and strange you should forget all about it. Read more to learn about different types of cysts and when you might need to schedule a doctor visit for treatment.
What Is A Cyst?
A cyst is a little closed pocket of tissue, often directly under the skin, that fills with fluid, puss, or other materials. They’re non-cancerous, and they can appear anywhere. They feel like a large pea to the touch. Sometimes, they’re caused by infections or clogged glands, but they can also pop up around a foreign body in your skin, like an earring.
Cysts are slow-growing, they’re usually painless, and they should feel smooth beneath your fingers if you roll it around underneath your skin.
Types Of Cysts
There are many different types of cysts. They’re categorized based on where they are on your body as well as their different symptoms.
Epidermoid Cysts
These are small and benign cysts that can appear all over the body. It’s usually very close to the surface of the skin, and it can appear to be skin-colored, tan, or yellowish. It might also feel like it’s filled with thick material.
Sebaceous Cysts
These cysts appear on the upper half of the body, like the face, neck, or torso. They can sometimes be caused by damage or trauma to the sebaceous glands, and they may cause pressure or pain in the affected area.
Ganglion Cysts
Usually round and filled with a gel-like substance, ganglion cysts form around tendons or joints, especially on the hands, feet, wrists, and ankles. Trauma or injury could bring about these cysts, but they can also appear from overuse. It’s harmless unless it starts to put pressure on other parts of the body or cause pain.
Synovial Cysts
A synovial cyst is a fluid-filled sac, like any other cyst, but these form along the joints of the spine. These usually develop as a result of the degeneration of the spine caused by aging, and synovial cyst lower back pain can occur when they press on other spinal nerves.
How To Treat A Cyst
In most cases, cysts do not disappear on their own. If it’s causing you any pain or trouble, then it’s time to seek medical help. Cysts don’t often cause medical problems unless they become infected or inflamed, but if that’s the case, make sure to schedule a doctor visit.
If you do seek treatment, your doctor will drain your cyst to help relieve symptoms. This involves piercing the cyst and getting rid of the fluid inside. This doesn’t, however, necessarily cure the cyst, and they can come back.
Take Charge Of Your Health
Now that you know a bit more about different types of cysts, you know what to look out for. Plus, you know when it might be a good idea to seek medical help for your particular problem.
If you found this post helpful, check out some of our other health posts!
