cystcontaining

Cystcontaining is an adjective used in anatomy and pathology to describe structures that include one or more cysts—closed sacs lined by epithelium that contain a liquid or semi-solid content. The term emphasizes the presence of cystic components within a lesion, organ, or tissue rather than it being purely solid. In medical reporting, cyst-containing lesions may be classified as cystic, partially cystic, or predominantly cyst-containing depending on the relative amount of cystic content observed.

In imaging, a cyst-containing mass typically shows fluid-filled spaces, with variable septations or mural nodules. Content may be serous, mucinous, hemorrhagic, or keratinous, and the nature of the lining epithelium can aid diagnosis.

Examples include ovarian cystadenomas, which are cyst-containing tumors with mucinous or serous fluid; polycystic kidney disease, characterized by multiple cyst-containing kidneys; and liver biliary cystadenomas, which are cystic hepatic tumors. Fibrocystic changes in the breast describe cyst-containing lesions within the breast tissue that may accompany fibrous and glandular alterations.

Pathologists assess cyst-containing lesions for signs of invasion or malignancy, especially when cysts are associated with solid nodules or mural papillae. Management ranges from observation for asymptomatic, simple cyst-containing lesions to surgical excision for symptomatic, enlarging, or complex cystic masses.

See also: cyst, cystic lesion, cystadenoma, polycystic disease, neoplasm with cystic components.