Question:

I have four different types of cysts (breast, ganglion, ovary, and jaw). Is there a gene or something that makes a person to have many cysts? 

Answer:

A cyst can refer to any type of sac that contains fluid. Some fluid-producing glands in the body normally produce cysts, and some cysts only grow as a response to inflammation or tumors.

For example, the ovary normally produces a cyst every month at the time of ovulation that contains the egg cell. Ganglion cysts are small collections of fluid that form on a tendon in response to inflammation or overuse.

Whether a cyst is normal or requires treatment depends on factors such as size, location, and how much it causes symptoms. There is no relationship between the types of cysts that you mention.

For more information:

Go to the Women’s Health health topic.