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Both lumps and boils cause lumps under the skin. They are often similar in appearance, but the causes and treatment are not the same. This article will cover the differences between cysts and boils and abscesses.
1. Distinguishing features between cysts and boils, abscesses
It can be easy to confuse cysts with boils and abscesses because they can have similar symptoms.
A cyst is a fluid or pus-filled sac that can form in or on the human body. There are different types of cysts and can appear to be related to cancer; But most cysts are benign, which means they are not cancerous. A cystic tumor is distinguished from a cancerous tumor by the characteristic that the cyst has an outer sac. An abscess is a pus-filled infection in body tissue. Pus is formed when the immune system works against an infection caused by bacteria. In addition, there may be abscesses caused by viruses, parasites,... Abscesses may appear on the skin or inside the body. In the case of a small abscess on the skin, it may also be called a boil or boil. The main differences in specific symptoms are:
The cyst grows slowly and is usually painless, unless it grows large. In contrast, an abscess is painful, uncomfortable, often red, and swollen. At the same time, the infection can cause symptoms elsewhere on the body. Both cysts and abscesses can form in different locations inside and outside the body. When an infected cyst becomes an abscess, however, an abscess does not necessarily start as a cyst.
U nang mang những đặc điểm dễ nhận biết và thường lành tính
2. Example difference between cyst and abscess
2.1. Difference Between Cyst and Abscess of Bartholin Gland Bartholin glands are two pea-sized structures, one on each side of the vaginal opening that secretes vaginal lubrication.
In about 2 percent of women, the Bartholin gland can become blocked due to trauma or irritation. This can cause the fluid they secrete to back up, enlarging the gland and this condition is called a Bartholin's duct cyst. Usually, Bartholin's gland cysts are small, asymptomatic cysts. But if the cyst grows large and it will cause discomfort when walking, sitting or having sex for the patient. A Bartholin gland abscess is an infection of the gland or ducts from it. Abscesses may form or may be initiated by an infected Bartholin's ductal cyst. Bartholin's gland abscesses are three times more common than Bartholin's gland cysts. The most common bacteria that cause abscesses in the Bartholin's glands are anaerobes: Bacterioides fragilis Clostridium perfringens Peptostreptococcus species Fusobacterium species Sexually transmitted bacteria, such as Neisseria gonorrhoeae (which leads to gonorrhea). ) and Chlamydia trachomatis (which causes chlamydial infection), can also cause Bartholin gland abscesses. 2.2. Dental Cysts and Abscesses A dental cyst is a small sac that appears around a tooth, forming at the root of a dead tooth or around a crown,... A tooth cyst can remain small and cause no symptoms. If they do grow, they can cause pain. If a tooth cyst becomes infected, it will become an abscess. A tooth abscess is an acute infection that causes swelling and pain in the patient. Sometimes bacteria that cause an infection will cause bad breath.
3. Common types of cysts and abscesses
Some common types of cysts and abscesses such as:
Abdominal abscess Amoeba liver abscess anorectal abscess Bartholin gland cyst or abscess Brain abscess Cyst or dental abscess Pancreatic abscess Peripheral abscess kidney (kidney) Peritonsillar abscess Removal of pilonidal cyst pyogenic liver abscess Oropharyngeal abscess Skin abscess Spinal cord abscess Subvaginal (nipple) abscess
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4. How to treat cysts and boils, abscesses?
Cysts and abscesses are treated differently according to their extent and location in the body. Some cysts may not require treatment, but if the cyst is causing pain or discomfort, it may need to be removed. Abscesses are often painful infections that need treatment to relieve pain and prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. For cysts and abscesses in internal organs that cannot be seen on the outside, blood tests should be performed to confirm infection, imaging techniques include X-rays, CT scans, and X-rays. MRI to find out the location of the cyst or abscess. Depending on the type and location of the cyst or abscess, treatment will vary.
4.1. Bartholin's Gland Cyst or Abscess Bartholin's cyst may be asymptomatic and require no treatment. However, if the cyst has grown in size, causing discomfort to the patient, it should be drained. The abscess becomes infected and must be drained. If the skin around the area with the abscess is swollen, red, and tender, it's a sign of a widespread infection (cellulitis). This case should be treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics such as: Cefazolin; Cefuroxime; Ceftriaxone; Nafcillin; Oxacillin. When large cysts or abscesses require drainage, a Word catheter is a safe method. First, the doctor will give you a local anesthetic; Then, make a small incision next to the gland and insert the Word catheter into the cyst or abscess. The catheter has a small balloon at the end that secures it inside the gland. At the same time, a small tube leading from the balloon allows pus or fluid to be drained out of the Bartholin gland.
4.2. Dental Cysts or Abscesses Dental cysts may have no symptoms, but abscesses are often very painful and require immediate treatment. If a cyst occurs at the end of a dead root, root canal treatment can help the cyst heal on its own. A small cyst can sometimes be removed along with the affected tooth. Tooth abscesses often occur with decay or because a tooth is broken or chipped, allowing bacteria to enter and infect the living tissue in the center of the tooth (pulp). Antibiotics for tooth abscesses include: Amoxicillin; Clindamycin ; Metronidazole . As such, some cysts are small and asymptomatic. But larger cysts can cause problems and sometimes lead to infection or an abscess. In contrast, an abscess is an acute infection and requires immediate medical attention.
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References: medicalnewstoday.com, healthline.com
