Bronchial cysts are abnormal, noncancerous growths that can develop in the windpipe, lungs, or cavity between the lungs. They may cause no symptoms unless they become infected or compress surrounding tissue. They are typically present at birth and can threaten a person’s life or contribute to disease by compressing vital body structures. Symptoms include a persistent cough and respiratory distress. Radiology tests are used for diagnosis, and surgery is often recommended for removal.
A bronchial cyst is an abnormal but noncancerous tissue growth that usually develops in a person’s windpipe, lung, or cavity between the lungs. This type of cyst may cause no symptoms unless it becomes infected or begins to cause compression of surrounding tissue. For example, it can grow large enough to cause internal organs to become misaligned.
Cysts can form in many different parts of the body. A cyst is a sac filled with liquid, air, or solid or semi-solid tissue. Cysts are non-functional, meaning they serve no purpose and do not benefit the body.
Also called a bronchogenic cyst, a bronchial cyst is typically present at birth. Although children are born with them, they may go undiagnosed at a young age. Instead, the patient may have the cyst for many years before developing symptoms. In fact, many people don’t discover these cysts until well past their childhood and adolescence.
Despite the fact that a bronchial cyst by itself may not cause symptoms, it can still threaten a person’s life or contribute to disease. It can compress vital body structures, becoming large enough to interfere with other organs in the body. Organ compression is especially concerning when it affects children, as their organs are close together in a smaller space in the body. This means that a cyst can start causing serious problems in a child earlier than it would in an adult. Sometimes the cysts also rupture and bleed.
There are many symptoms that can develop when a person has a large cyst. The person may develop a persistent cough, for example, which is often the most noticeable symptom for someone with these cysts. People with this condition may develop respiratory distress due to compression of the tissues and structures in the area. Sometimes people also develop adenocarcinoma or rhabdomyosarcoma, both cancerous conditions, due to a bronchial cyst. If a cyst ruptures or develops an infection, pain, discomfort, and fluid leakage, including blood, may occur.
Radiology tests are typically used in the diagnosis of bronchial cysts. Ultrasounds are often used on newborns, while X-rays and computed tomography (CT) may be more helpful for older individuals. Once discovered, doctors often recommend surgery to remove these types of cysts. Doctors sometimes use open surgery to remove cysts, but laser surgery techniques can also be used.
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