Cyst

What is a cyst?

Cyst is a word used to describe an abnormal open space surrounded by a thin wall of tissue. The space can be empty (filled with air) or it can be filled with another type of tissue such as blood, pus (dead immune cells), or skin.

One or many spaces

Cysts that have only a single open space are called unilocular while those with multiple smaller spaces are called multilocular.

Ruptured cysts

Pathologists describe a cyst that has broken open as ruptured. A ruptured cyst may be surrounded by inflammatory cells and cholesterol clefts may be seen under the microscope.

Where are cysts normally found?

Cysts can start anywhere in the body. The most common locations are the ovaries and skin. They can range in size from very small (only seen under the microscope) to very large (big enough to be seen without a microscope).

Cyst is a descriptive word which can be applied to many pathological situations. It is not a diagnosis in itself. In many cases, a cyst is a benign (non-cancerous) growth. However, cysts can also be seen in malignant (cancerous) tumours.

The behavior of the cyst depends on the location and the type of cells lining the wall. Your pathologist will examine the tissue sample under the microscope and provide this information in your pathology report.