Cysts: symptoms

The cyst practically does not show symptoms, at least at the initial stage of development. Signs of the tumor's appearance depend on its size, location, composition of the cavity contents, structure of the neoplasm walls and on what kind of cyst it is - congenital or acquired. Also, the manifestation of symptoms is affected by the type and mechanisms of its formation, which can be as follows:

• A cystic formation that results from blockage of a glandular duct. The tumor, called retention, is formed as a result of accumulation of secretory fluid that collects in the blocked channel.
• A tumor that forms as a result of tissue necrosis, when connective tissue begins to grow around the necrotic area, and the process of tissue fermentation provokes its liquefaction. This type of neoplasm is called ramolition.
• A cystic formation that occurs as a result of soft tissue injury.
• A cystic formation that is formed as a result of a parasitic infection - echinococcosis. They are called parasitic.
• Cystic formations that grow during the period of intrauterine development, congenital neoplasms. They are called dysontogenetic.

Depending on the location of the cyst, the symptoms are different; neoplasms can appear in the ovaries, kidneys, brain, liver, tooth, pancreas and many other organs and tissues. The following neoplasms are considered the most common in clinical practice:

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Ovarian cyst

• A cyst, the symptoms of which usually do not appear at the first stage of development. This neoplasm is most often determined during a routine examination using ultrasound scanning. The following manifestations can be considered signs of a cystic ovary formation:
• Periodic disruption of the menstrual cycle. Neoplasms provoke intensive production of androgens – male sex hormones, which not only “knock down” the cycle, but can affect the timbre of the voice, cause increased hair growth on the body and face.
• Heaviness in the lower abdomen, a feeling of compression. The cyst can press on the ureter, intestines.
• Painful sensations in the lower abdomen, usually the pain is stronger in the place where the cyst is localized. If the cyst is accompanied by torsion of the stalk, the pain becomes acute. Rupture of the neoplasm can cause a clinical picture similar to the symptoms of "acute abdomen". If the cyst is localized on the right, the symptoms are similar to the clinical picture of appendicitis. If the neoplasm is located on the left, the symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of renal colic. Also, the symptoms of a large cyst can be similar to the clinical picture of intestinal obstruction.
• Pain in the first days of the menstrual cycle.
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse.
• Pain in the lower abdomen after intense physical activity.
• Nausea, vomiting, accompanied by abdominal pain.
• Persistent infertility that cannot be cured by conventional methods.
• Pain in the vagina, bloody discharge.
• An enlarged abdomen is a symptom of a developing tumor or ascites.
• Acne, both during puberty and in later life.

Pancreatic cyst

A cyst, the symptoms of which depend more on its size than on its location. The neoplasm can be in the body of the gland, in its tail or head. Cystic formations can be diagnosed as true, that is, those that contain secretory fluid of the pancreas. Pseudocysts do not contain secretory cells inside, but are also a pathology of this organ. Benign formations, as a rule, do not manifest clinical symptoms and are determined during an ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs for liver, gallbladder or kidney disease. A malignant cyst shows more distinct symptoms, since the formation affects nearby organs and tissues. All large cystic formations cause a feeling of pressure, pain in the back or upper abdomen. Often, a cyst shows symptoms similar to jaundice, since it disrupts the conductivity of bile due to an obstruction in the duct. Bile is thrown back, an excess amount of bilirubin is produced, manifested by yellowing of the sclera of the eyes and skin. Large infected growths can cause fever, severe pain, and even sepsis.

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Liver cyst

Quite a rare disease. The cyst does not show specific symptoms, regardless of what category it belongs to - true neoplasms or false ones. Indirect signs of the development of a cystic liver formation may be the following:

• Periodic pulling pain in the right upper abdomen (hypochondrium).
• Pain in the solar plexus area.
• Noticeable asymmetry of the abdomen.
• Palpable mass in the right abdomen.

Kidney cyst

It can be manifested by aching pain in the back if the size of the neoplasm is large. A cyst, the symptoms of which are not felt, is no less dangerous, since it can not only grow over time, but also degenerate into a malignant tumor. The main signs of a kidney cyst are the following manifestations:

• A persistent dull pain in the lumbar region, usually on the side where the cyst is located.
• Sharp jumps in blood pressure.
• Pain in the lower back, accompanied by urinary dysfunction.
• Concrements.
• All signs are similar to those of pyelonephritis - high body temperature, nausea turning into vomiting, pain in the lower back, general weakness, pale skin.
• Acute pain, the clinical picture of an “acute abdomen” is one of the signs of a tumor rupture.

Brain cyst

A serious disease that does not always manifest itself with typical symptoms. Characteristic signs are severe pain, a feeling of compression, impaired coordination, unsteady gait. However, cystic formations do not manifest themselves with symptoms similar to those of a brain tumor. Brain cysts are divided into types depending on the structure of the tissue that forms the neoplasm.

A cerebrospinal fluid cyst, the symptoms of which may not appear for several years, but in young people this type of cystic formation is often accompanied by ataxia (impaired coordination, gait), hemiparesis - half-incomplete paralysis (one side of the body or parts of the body is affected), headache and vomiting. They are also called arachnoid and are most often found in children during puberty or in young men; cerebrospinal fluid cysts are rarely diagnosed in women.

Colloidal cyst, the symptoms of which appear more clearly. This can be a typical headache with a feeling of squeezing or strong pressure on the eyes, often a cyst of some type causes seizures similar to epileptic, vomiting and a change in the mental status of a person are possible. However, most often a colloidal cyst, which is localized in the area of the third cerebral ventricle, does not have specific signs in the early stages of development. This type is most often diagnosed in elderly people, when the neoplasm grows to large sizes, causing hydrocephalus. Such development of the disease can lead to death in the case of strong mechanical pressure of a large cystic formation on the hypothalamus, where the center responsible for the heart rhythm is located.

Pineal cyst, the symptoms of which often appear at the last stage of the neoplasm development. This tumor is localized in the pineal body of the brain (epiphysis), is diagnosed rarely - in 3-4% of all those examined using magnetic resonance imaging. Signs of a pineal cyst:

• It is difficult for a person to raise his eyes up or roll them back, as the cyst provokes the development of hydrocephalitis.
• Chronic drowsiness, weakness, lethargy.
• Ataxia, disorientation in space.
• Visual disturbances – double vision, blurred vision.

A cyst rarely exhibits specific symptoms that determine its type and characteristics. Most often, the neoplasm is asymptomatic, especially in the early stages of development. The signs that a cyst may exhibit are often similar to the symptoms of other diseases, as a rule, these are diseases of the organs near which the cyst is localized. This is why regular medical examinations and routine examinations are so important, during which it is possible to promptly detect a cyst and begin its treatment.

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