A cyst's contents can vary widely depending on the type of cyst, but they commonly contain fluid or pus.
Cysts are closed sac-like structures within tissues that can be filled with various substances. Here's a breakdown of common cyst contents:
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Fluid: Many cysts, particularly simple cysts, are filled with a clear, watery fluid. Examples include ganglion cysts and some ovarian cysts.
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Pus: Infected cysts, such as epidermal cysts (sometimes called sebaceous cysts, although this is technically incorrect) or abscesses, contain pus. Pus is a thick, yellowish or greenish fluid made up of dead white blood cells, bacteria, and tissue debris.
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Keratin: Epidermal cysts often contain a thick, cheesy material composed of keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails.
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Sebum: While true sebaceous cysts are rare, cysts related to hair follicles can contain sebum, an oily substance secreted by sebaceous glands.
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Blood: Some cysts may contain blood, especially if they have been traumatized.
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Other tissues/materials: Dermoid cysts, for example, can contain a variety of tissues, including hair, teeth, and skin glands.
It's important to remember that the specific contents of a cyst can only be definitively determined through a medical examination and, in some cases, laboratory analysis of the cyst's contents.
