cystic

Cystic is an adjective used in biology and medicine to describe something relating to a cyst or composed of cysts. A cyst is a closed sac, often lined with epithelium, that can contain fluid, air, or other material. Cysts can form in many tissues and organs and may be congenital, developmental, or acquired. By extension, the term cystic is applied to conditions, lesions, or tissues that exhibit cyst-like characteristics.

In medical contexts, cystic describes both the presence of cysts and the appearance of tissues with cystic changes. Notable examples include cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder in which mucus and secretions become thick and obstructive, especially in the lungs and digestive system; polycystic kidney disease, which features multiple fluid-filled kidney cysts; and various organ cysts such as hepatic (liver) cysts, ovarian cysts, and pancreatic cysts. Sebaceous or epidermoid cysts are common skin lesions that are not true cysts by all definitions but are frequently described as cystic lesions in clinical settings.

Cysts are typically categorized as simple or complex. Simple cysts usually contain clear fluid, have a thin wall, and are often benign, possibly requiring only observation. Complex cysts may have thick walls, septations, solid components, or calcifications and may necessitate further imaging, aspiration, biopsy, or surgical removal to exclude malignancy or treat symptoms.

Diagnosis relies on imaging techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging, while management depends on location, size, symptoms, and potential complications. The term cystic, therefore, conveys both a morphological description and, in many cases, a clinical approach tied to the presence of cysts.