Torbiel

Torbiel (Polish for "cyst") denotes a closed sac-like structure that can form within tissues or organs and typically contains liquid, semisolid material, or gas. As a general pathological concept, cysts occur in many body sites and vary widely in cause, appearance and clinical significance.

Common types include simple epithelial cysts, sebaceous and pilar cysts of the skin, ganglion cysts near joints and tendons, Baker’s cysts behind the knee, ovarian cysts in the reproductive tract, and organ-related cysts such as renal or hepatic cysts. Some cysts are congenital or developmental, while others arise from obstruction of ducts, chronic inflammation, infection, trauma, or degenerative processes. A subset may be associated with neoplastic processes.

Clinical presentation depends on location and size. Many torbiele are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally on imaging. Symptomatic cysts can cause pain, swelling, a palpable mass, displacement or compression of adjacent structures, and, if infected or ruptured, systemic symptoms. Diagnostic evaluation commonly uses ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); aspiration or biopsy may be required for fluid analysis and histological diagnosis.

Management ranges from observation and periodic imaging for benign asymptomatic cysts to aspiration, sclerotherapy, drainage or surgical excision for symptomatic, recurrent or suspicious lesions. Prognosis is generally favorable for benign cysts but depends on underlying cause and location. Professional medical assessment is recommended for new, enlarging or painful lesions to exclude complications or malignancy.