Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes sticky, thick mucus to build up in your organs, blocking and damaging them. Many people think of CF as a lung disease because it affects your lungs and airways, which can make it hard to breathe and cause frequent infections. But it’s called cystic fibrosis because it also causes cysts and scarring (fibrosis) …

A spermatocele is a fluid-filled growth (cyst) that develops from your epididymis. Your epididymis is a tube that runs behind and over the top of each testicle. Its main job is to store and transport sperm. Sperm are male reproductive cells. Spermatoceles can develop above or behind your testicles (testes). Inside each spermatocele is a clear or cloudy fluid that may contain sperm. Other …

A pilonidal cyst is a round sac of tissue that’s filled with air or fluid. This common type of cyst is located in the crease of the buttocks and is usually caused by a skin infection. Pilonidal cysts are a common condition, with more than 70,000 cases reported in the U.S. every year. But many people feel too embarrassed to …

A pancreatic cyst is a fluid-filled growth on the inside or outside of your pancreas. There are different types, made of slightly different cellular materials. Some types are neoplastic, and others are nonneoplastic. Neoplastic cysts have the potential to become cancerous. Nonneoplastic types don’t. What does a cyst on the pancreas mean? Some pancreatic cysts seem to be related to inflammation (pancreatitis), but most …

An ovarian cyst is a small sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that forms on or within one or both of your ovaries. There are different types of ovarian cysts, most of which are painless and noncancerous (benign). Ovarian cysts don’t always cause symptoms. You likely won’t know you have one unless your healthcare provider finds one during a pelvic …

A ganglion cyst (plural: ganglia) is a small, fluid-filled lump just below your skin. This type of cyst can develop when you have a tear in the tissue that covers a tendon or joint. This causes the tissue to bulge and create a sac. Another name for a ganglion cyst is a bible cyst. Ganglia often appear at specific joints. Moving the joint near …

Cyclothymia (cyclothymic disorder) is a milder form of bipolar disorder. It involves frequent mood swings of hypomanic and depressive episodes. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong mood disorder and mental health condition that causes intense shifts in mood, energy levels, thinking patterns and behavior. These shifts can last for days, weeks or months. They can interrupt your ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. People …

Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) involves repeated, unexplained episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. Episodes can last from a few hours to several days. They can be so severe that you need to stay in bed. You may need to go to the emergency room (ER) or hospital to get IV fluids to prevent dehydration. Following an episode, you’re free of …

Nonsuicidal self-injury, often simply called self-injury, is the act of harming your own body on purpose, such as by cutting or burning yourself. It’s usually not meant as a suicide attempt. This type of self-injury is a harmful way to cope with emotional pain, sadness, anger and stress. While self-injury may bring a brief sense of calm and a release …