Cysts

Definition

A cyst is a closed sac-like structure within the body that is filled with air, fluid, or other material. Cysts can develop in various organs and tissues, including the integumentary system, and are often associated with certain diseases, disorders, and injuries.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cysts can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, and they can range in size from microscopic to several centimeters in diameter.
2. Cysts can be classified as either simple (fluid-filled) or complex (containing solid material or multiple compartments).
3. Cysts can cause various symptoms, such as pain, swelling, or discoloration, depending on their location and size.
4. Certain types of cysts, such as sebaceous cysts and epidermal cysts, are commonly found in the integumentary system and can be associated with skin conditions like acne.
5. Cysts can be diagnosed through physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan), or biopsy, and they are often treated through surgical removal or drainage.

Review Questions

• Describe the general characteristics and formation of cysts.
  • Cysts are closed, sac-like structures within the body that are filled with air, fluid, or other materials. They can develop in various organs and tissues, including the integumentary system. Cysts can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired, and they can range in size from microscopic to several centimeters in diameter. Cysts are typically classified as either simple (fluid-filled) or complex (containing solid material or multiple compartments).
• Explain the role of cysts in the context of diseases, disorders, and injuries of the integumentary system.
  • Certain types of cysts, such as sebaceous cysts and epidermal cysts, are commonly found in the integumentary system and can be associated with various skin conditions. Sebaceous cysts develop from the sebaceous glands and are filled with sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin. Epidermal cysts form from the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and are filled with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. These types of cysts can cause symptoms like pain, swelling, or discoloration, and they are often diagnosed and treated in the context of integumentary system diseases, disorders, and injuries.
• Analyze the diagnostic and treatment approaches for cysts in the integumentary system.
  • Cysts in the integumentary system can be diagnosed through various methods, including physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, CT scan), and biopsy. These diagnostic techniques help determine the type, location, and characteristics of the cyst, which informs the appropriate treatment approach. Common treatment options for cysts in the integumentary system include surgical removal or drainage. Surgical removal is often recommended for larger or symptomatic cysts, while drainage may be used for smaller, asymptomatic cysts. The choice of treatment depends on the specific type of cyst, its size, and the associated symptoms or complications. Proper diagnosis and management of cysts are crucial in the context of integumentary system diseases, disorders, and injuries.

Related terms

Sebaceous Cyst: A type of cyst that develops from the sebaceous glands and is filled with sebum, a natural oil produced by the skin.

Epidermal Cyst: A type of cyst that forms from the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, and is filled with keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.

Ganglion Cyst: A type of cyst that develops from the joint or tendon sheath and is filled with a thick, jelly-like fluid.