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Cyst

A cyst is a saclike structure in the body. Cysts usually are filled with fluid, which may be blood, clear fluid, or pus.

A cyst can be normal, abnormal, or, in rare cases, cancerous. In some cases, a cyst may be drained either with a needle or by cutting it open, or it may be removed entirely.

Author Bets Davis, MFA
Author Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Samuel S. Thatcher, MD, PhD - Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology
Last Updated January 23, 2008

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 23, 2008
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