Ganglion cysts form on a joint — typically on the wrist or ankle — and form a large, visible lump which is filled with a thick, viscous liquid. The most common type of cyst is an epidermoid cyst. This forms in the top layer of the skin when trauma occurs near a hair follicle and the top layer of skin grows inward rather than sloughing off as it should. When bacteria break down these cells, a strong odor develops.
Pilar cysts are similar in origin to epidermoid cysts, however these are located exclusively on the scalp. Sebaceous cysts are also similar to the above two cysts, however their point of origin is deeper down the hair follicle.
A sebaceous cyst is filled with an oily substance known as sebum, which is excreted by the sebaceous glands. They can grow almost anywhere in your body. Some of the more common types of cysts and pseudocysts include the following:. These are small, benign bumps filled with the protein keratin.
If you have trauma around a hair follicle within the skin, an epidermoid cyst may occur. If part of the top layer of your skin, called the epidermis , grows deeper instead of moving outward toward the surface to eventually be shed off, an epidermoid cyst will have a chance to form. Sebaceous cysts fill with sebum and are less common than epidermoid cysts. They often form within sebaceous glands, which are part of the skin and hair follicles. Sebaceous glands make oil for your skin and hair. Ruptured or blocked sebaceous glands can lead to sebaceous cysts.
Benign cysts can develop in your breasts when fluid collects near your breast glands. They can cause pain or tenderness in the affected area. These benign cysts usually form near the joint areas of your wrist or hand. However, they can also develop in your feet or ankle areas. Ganglion cysts tend to occur along a tendon sheath near a joint. Pilonidal cysts form near the top part of the buttocks. They occur more often in men than in women.
They can develop when loose hairs become embedded in your skin. Chronic infections in these cysts might increase your risk of a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma. If you have these chronic infections, learn the symptoms of skin cancer so it can be treated early. This causes fluid to build up and form a cyst. Another common type of ovarian cyst occurs after the follicle releases the egg and improperly recloses and collects fluid.
Ovarian cysts occur most often in those of menstrual age. Ovarian cysts are associated with an increased risk of cancer when they occur after menopause. These cysts are usually caused by problems with the knee, such as injury or arthritis. A mucous cyst is a fluid-filled lump that forms on the lip or around the mouth when the salivary glands become plugged with mucus.
The most common causes of mucous cysts include:. Mucous cysts will often go away on their own. However, if you have recurring or frequent mucous cysts, you may need medical treatment. This cyst can look like a large skin tag.
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Normally, these cells move up to the surface of the skin as they start to die so they can be shed. But the cells sometimes move deeper into the skin and multiply, forming a sac. They secrete keratin into the middle of the sac, which forms a thick, yellow paste. This can ooze out of the cyst if it's burst. Anyone can develop a skin cyst, but you're more likely to have one if you've been through puberty , you have a history of acne , or you've injured the skin for example, if you've damaged a hair follicle.
Cysts are usually harmless. Small cysts that are not causing any problems can be left alone. Holding a warm flannel against the skin will encourage the cyst to heal and reduce any inflammation. Do not be tempted to burst the cyst.
If it's infected, you risk spreading the infection, and it can grow back if the sac is left underneath the skin. See a GP if you think the cyst is infected.
You may need a course of antibiotics.
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