Cysts: The Many Types, Causes and Treatments
What is a cyst? By definition a cyst is a sac or closed pouch located within the skin or body that contains fluid, semi fluid or solid material.
There are many different varieties of cysts occurring within the body. A good example of a fluid filled cyst is a hydrocele which is found in the genital region of the male. It is a collection of fluid that builds up in the scrotal sac.
A solid filled cyst like the sebaceous cyst is made up of material such as sebum and skin (epithelial) debris and has a cheesy texture. These cysts form in the ducts of the sebaceous glands. It is also known as an epidermoid cyst.
Cyst Treatment
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| Ovarian Cysts | Breast Lumps | Other Types of Cysts |
One of the most common cysts found in women are uterine fibroids. These are also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas. Uterine fibroids are growths that form on the interior or exterior muscular wall of the uterus. Although they are benign growths they can cause problems that may require treatment and can even involve the cervix. Fibroids are made up of abnormal muscle cells, not fibrous cells as their name suggests. They can also be classified as intramural, subserosal or sub mucosal depending upon their location. Fibroids that are attached by a stalk are referred to as pedunculated.
20% to 30% of all women will develop fibroids in their late 30’s and 40’s. Fortunately, they are less common after one reaches menopause as estrogen levels drop significantly. Fibroids can be genetic and are more common among African American women.
The good news about fibroids is that they do not usually require treatment unless they grow large enough to produce unpleasant symptoms. A few examples are: frequent or heavy menstrual cycles, weakness and fatigue due to blood loss from bleeding in between periods and resulting anemia. Fibroids can also cause painful post sexual intercourse and bleeding as well as an increase of vaginal discharge. Another side affect of fibroids is that they can put pressure on the bladder, bowels and even block the urethra which can lead to kidney obstruction, pain in the legs, back or pelvis.
It is suspected that estrogen is a factor in the development of fibroids. Because of this oral contraceptives (especially those containing high amounts of estrogen) can increase a women’s risk of having fibroids. If a fibroid is found, birth control should be discontinued and other birth control methods should be used instead. Diet can also play a role in the development of fibroids as many processed foods that contain saturated fats have been found to increase the amount of estrogen in women’s bodies. Olive oil and butter are better alternatives to many other oils and fats.
Fibroids are not usually removed unless they are large enough to cause considerable problems such as causing the uterus to enlarge to the size of a 12 week pregnancy.
Here are a few of the ways in which they can be treated:
A Hysterectomy is the removal of the uterus, which completely eliminates the risk of returning fibroids, yet also removes the possibility of future child bearing.
A Myomectomy is an alternative to a hysterectomy, in which the fibroid is removed but the uterus is left in tact so that it is still possible to have children if desired. Fibroids can re-occur after a myomectomy but are usually much smaller and less troublesome than the original cysts.
A Baroscopic Myolisis is a procedure wherein a surgeon uses a laser or an electric current with special needles to shrink or burn the fibroid. This is primarily for larger fibroids and can be performed on an out patient basis. This method of treatment is still in being tested and the results are in-conclusive at this time.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is another treatment option in which a catheter is placed into the femoral artery via a tiny incision made in the groin. The catheter is used to cut off the blood supply that feeds the fibroid, causing it to shrink.
Hysteroscopic Resection is another process that removes fibroids via a surgical instrument that is inserted into the uterus through the vagina. The fibroids are then removed vaginally and the surrounding area is cauterized. This procedure can also be performed on an out patient basis.
Ovarian Cysts
Breast Lumps
Other Types of Cysts
