Cysts can occur on the skin or in various parts of the body and are usually benign, but can be dangerous if they affect major organs or the breast, become large, or rupture. Cysts in the esophagus, kidneys, and joints can cause problems if they grow too large. Cysts in the lungs and pancreas are dangerous for those with cystic fibrosis, while ovarian bumps can affect fertility. A cyst that isn’t dangerous can still be a sign of a dangerous condition.
Cysts are bumps that contain fluid, gas or air and can occur on the skin or in many different parts of the body. Most are benign, but there are some that require medical attention, as they can be dangerous. In general, a cyst can be dangerous if it affects a major organ or the breast, becomes particularly large, or ruptures.
Some of the most common sites for cyst formation in the body are the ovaries, kidneys, esophagus, and pancreas. These are generally not dangerous, but can affect the function of these organs. Most of the time a doctor will test it to make sure it’s not cancerous. If it’s benign, which it often is, your doctor will monitor it closely. If it looks like it will break, it will be removed.
Even in situations where a cyst isn’t dangerous, it can cause problems. For example, these structures in the esophagus are usually benign, but they can affect speech and singing. These often need to be removed, especially for professional speakers or singers. Likewise, many people have small cysts in the kidneys and joints that aren’t usually dangerous, but can cause problems if they grow too large. Skin cysts are also usually harmless, but they can be removed if they become infected or for cosmetic reasons.
One situation where these bumps are almost always dangerous is when they form in the lungs and pancreas, which happens in those with cystic fibrosis. They can severely inhibit breathing and make people more vulnerable to lung infections. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but the symptoms can be treated. Ovarian bumps can also be dangerous if they grow very large or rupture, as a ruptured cyst can affect fertility. Any breast lump that could be a cyst should be tested right away, as it could be a cancerous lesion.
A cyst that isn’t dangerous in itself can still be a sign of a dangerous condition. For example, exposure to giardia often causes infected people to pass small cysts in their stool. This parasite can actually pass to other people through contact with the past cyst, which protects and keeps the giardia alive.
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