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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Cyst and Abscess?

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The main difference between a cyst and an abscess lies in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here are the key differences:

  • Cause of Formation: A cyst is a fluid or pus-filled sac that forms due to the secretion of fluids, while an abscess is a pus-filled infection in body tissue caused by bacteria, viruses, or other pathogens.
  • Formation of Walls: Cyst walls are aided by normal tissues, while abscess walls are aided by fibrous tissues.
  • Regional Inflammation: Cysts usually do not cause regional inflammation unless they become infected, while abscesses often cause inflammation and can be painful, red, and swollen.
  • Symptoms: Cysts grow slowly and are usually painless unless they become enlarged, while abscesses are often painful, uncomfortable, and can cause symptoms elsewhere in the body.
  • Treatment: Some cysts may require no treatment at all, while others that cause pain or discomfort may need removal. Abscesses are painful infections that must be treated to avoid the spread of the infection.

Both cysts and abscesses can form in different locations inside and outside the body. When an infected cyst becomes an abscess, it does not necessarily start as a cyst. It is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of cysts and abscesses.

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  • What is the Difference Between Cyst and Abscess?
  • Comparative Table: Cyst vs Abscess

    • Comparative Table: Cyst vs Abscess

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between a cyst and an abscess:

    Feature Cyst Abscess
    Definition A fluid or pus-filled sac that can form in or on the human body, often benign and painless. A painful, pus-filled infection in body tissue, often red and swollen, caused by bacteria or other pathogens.
    Growth Grows slowly and is usually painless, unless it becomes enlarged. Causes pain, irritation, and often forms in response to an infection.
    Location Can form in or on the human body. Can form on the skin or inside the body.
    Symptoms May not require treatment and can resolve on their own, or may need to be drained or surgically removed. Requires treatment, such as antibiotics and drainage, to resolve the infection.
    Diagnosis Diagnosed through physical examination and imaging scans, such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan. Diagnosed through physical examination and imaging scans, such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI scan.

    Both cysts and abscesses can form in various locations in the body, and while some cysts may become abscesses when infected, abscesses do not necessarily start as cysts.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.