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Cyst

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Faizan Sheraz, M.D. [2]

Overview

Overview

A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. It may contain air, fluid, or semi-solid material. A collection of pus is called an abscess, not a cyst. Once formed, the cyst will remain in the tissue but can be removed by surgery or resolve by taking medications. A cyst may also be a sack that encloses an organism during a dormant period, such as in the case of certain parasites. This type of cyst may, for instance, protect a parasite from the churning acid of the stomach so it may pass through to the intestines unharmed where it can then break out. Cystic fibrosis is an example of a genetic disorder whereby cysts and fibrosis develop in the lungs.

Locations

Locations

Related structures

A pseudocyst is collection without a distinct membrane.

A syrinx in the spinal cord or brainstem is sometimes inaccurately referred to as a cyst.

Resources

Resources


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