What are cyst? And how do women get them?

Answer 1

A cyst is a closed sac- or bladder-like structure that is not a normal part of the tissue where it is found. Cysts are common and can occur anywhere in the body in persons of any age. Cysts usually contain a gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance. Cysts vary in size; they may be detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace normal organs and tissues. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.

Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including:

- "Wear and tear" or simple obstructions to the flow of fluid
- Infections
- Tumors
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Genetic (inherited) conditions
- Defects in developing organs in the embryo

Sometimes you can feel a cyst yourself when you feel an abnormal "lump". For example, cysts of the skin or tissues beneath the skin are usually noticeable. Cysts in the mammary glands (breasts) also may be palpable (meaning that you can feel them when you examine the area with your fingers). Cysts of internal organs such as the kidneys or liver may not produce any symptoms or may not be detected by the affected individual. These cysts often are first discovered by imaging studies (x-ray, ultrasound, computerized tomography or CAT Scan, and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI).

There are hundreds of types of cysts that can arise in the body. Some of the more well-known types of cysts are:

- Cysts in the breast which are part of benign proliferative ("fibrocystic") disease (fibrocystic breast disease)
- Ovarian cysts
- Cysts within the thyroid gland
- Baker cyst (popliteal) behind the knee
- Ganglion cysts of the joints and tendons
- Cysts of the glands within the eyelid, termed chalazions
- Sebaceous cysts of the small glands in the skin

The majority of cysts are benign, but some may produce symptoms due to their size and/or location. Rarely, cysts can be associated with malignant tumors (cancers) or serious infections. If you're concerned about any abnormal swelling or "lump," talk to your doctor. He or she can recommend appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause of the cyst.

Answer 2

What kind of a cyst?
I had an ovarian cyst a while back and had to have surgery on it. The doctor told me that women produce them every month and most the time they go away BUT sometimes they don't for no reason and will grow. Depending on what kind of cyst it becomes they would have to remove it. Not all cysts are cancerous either.
I have also heard that a certain cyst which develops bones (you would have surgery for that) could have been a twin that did not develop correctly and it attaches to the stronger of the eggs and grows with it.

Answer 3

A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and developing abnormally in a cavity or structure of the body. Cysts may occur as a result of a developmental error in the embryo during pregnancy or they may be caused by infections. However, they sometimes arise spontaneously with no apparent cause. Cysts may often be dangerous as they may have negative effects on the nearby tissue. They may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material.

Answer 4

You can get cysts all over. They are basically extra tissue, a hardened part of the body. It may be genetic, or just something that happens. I don't think they're all dangerous, depending on where they are, but some are. Ovarian cysts can interfere with reproductive capability. I have one on my head, I hope it's not dangerous. If you're worried, it's probably best to visit the doctor and ask about it.

Answer 5

Cysts result from uncontrolled divisions of cells in any part of the body. In women usually they are found in the uterus or in the breast. They are, more often than not, non-cancerous. They can be fluid-filled or solid mass(fibroid). The occurrence of these in a person is dependent on the genes, and the condition can thus, be inherited. The occurrence is more common now due to changes in food habits (girls are healthier now, so they reach puberty early) and life-style (women avoid pregnancy). More number of cell divisions in both the cases (early puberty and late or no pregnancy) could lead to cysts.

Answer 6

A cyst is cause by several factors. (1) could be too much casffine intake. (2) Hormones play a big part in cyst many in the breast. And not just women get them.

Answer 7

A cyst is a fluid filled sac or lump in the body. They are usually benign (non-cancerous) but they can sometimes be infected. I had one that I was apparently born with and it had to be removed in an operation.

A hormone inbalance is what causes cysts, but there is no solid proof of what causes this inbalance. Even though there has been studies seeing if there is a dietary link that causes these inbalances (like too much caffine), it is still not proved.

Answer 8

Mmm... don't take my word for it, but a cyst is usually a lump, can be in many places, and not only women can get them. If you're thinking of an ovarian cyst, then that's a problem. I'm not exactly clear on how that happens either, but I can tell you that it's not good news if you want to get pregnant. I think diet is a basic factor... See if this page helps. http://www.answers.com/cyst&r=67

Answer 9

I have been reliably informed that they R caused by our Diets, hormones in the Food chain & in the Water supply.
We're living on Over-populated & over-burdened Planet.
Which means more food's needed quickly, hence the use of steroids/growthbuilders in animals & far 2 many of these hormones make their way in2 the water supply.

If U want 2 stop cysts in their tracks, lose weight, give up meat & filter all UR water.
It's not perfect but it's a good start.

Answer 10

Not because of unhealthy diet or lifestyle. I got a Cyst in my ovary when I was 12. I was a healthy child, my parents all ways had me with balanced meals and exercise. My gyn. said it just had to do with my ovaries during ovulation it wasn't;t coming out and it accumulated which became a cyst and then I needed surgery because it grow to big.