Cysts: Causes

What causes cysts?

Cysts can develop in response to blockages of the flow of body fluids, such as clogged sebaceous glands, as seen in acne, or in response to infection or to a long-standing abscess or ingrown hair, as is the case with pilonidal cysts, which are cysts that occur along the crease between the buttocks. Cysts often form around a foreign object, such as a splinter in the skin.

Cysts in other organs may form as a response to inflammation and normal wear and tear. Cysts are also present in some benign tumors and cancers. Benign cysts are common in the ovary and breast; less commonly, cysts can be found in cancers of these organs. Cysts in the muscles, liver, brain, lungs and eyes may be caused by parasitic diseases.

What are the risk factors for cysts?

The risk factors are dependent upon the type of cyst and the underlying condition that causes the cyst. It is not possible to predict the development of all types of cysts or to prevent their occurrence.