Cysts are sacs or capsules that form in the skin or inside the body, potentially containing fluid or semisolid material. These growths are common and can appear virtually anywhere in the body, but they most frequently present in the skin, ovaries, breasts, or kidneys. The majority of cysts are benign, non-cancerous formations.

Skin cysts come in various types, including epidermoid cysts, which occur beneath the skin. These cysts may hold a range of contents from thin serous fluid to thick cheesy or caseous material, particularly if there is an increase in keratin formation. In individuals with von Hippel-Lindau syndrome, a significant number may develop pancreatic cysts, which closely resemble serous cystadenomas and often appear as multiple lesions scattered throughout the pancreas.

Choledochal cysts represent a congenital or acquired condition that impedes the normal flow of bile from the liver to the small intestines, enlarging the bile ducts and potentially causing complications. Lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, can affect multiple organ systems, including the central nervous system and eyes, with 15% of cases diagnosed in children or adolescents.

Certain genetic diseases impact the skin, such as Basal cell nevus syndrome or Gorlin syndrome, and Muir-Torre syndrome—conditions that may bring about skin changes, carcinomas, and cysts. Meanwhile, testosterone, an essential hormone, plays pivotal roles in the body, influencing physical characteristics and functions, and is also associated with conditions like PCOS, which is characterized by the presence of multiple ovarian cysts.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous non-cancerous cysts in both kidneys, affecting around 600,000 Americans. A recent study by Yale researchers revealed a new and surprising molecular mechanism in the development of PKD, offering potential insights into future treatments.

For more detailed information, individuals can refer to resources provided by leading health institutions. Please consult the following links for comprehensive knowledge: Harvard Health, Baylor Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery, Penn Dermatology, and Harvard Health on testosterone. For an in-depth exploration of PKD, refer to the Yale Medicine study.