A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.
Considerations:
Cysts may form within any tissue in the body. Cysts within the lung generally are air-filled, while cysts involving the lymph system or kidneys are fluid-filled. Certain parasites, such as trichinosis , dog tapeworm (Toxocara canis), and echinococcus , can form cysts within the muscles, liver, brain, lungs, and eyes.
Cysts are common on the skin. They develop as a result of infection, clogging of sebaceous glands, or around foreign materials.
What to expect at your health care provider's office:
Review Date: 10/13/2006 Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
