Lung cys

Infobox Disease
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	G71.2
ICD-9	359.0
OMIM	161800 256030 605355
DiseasesDB	31991 33448 33447
eMedicine	neuro/76 neuro/230
MeSH	D001321, D015518, D015518
GeneReviews	FBLN5-Related Cutis Laxa ATP6V0A2-Related CL

Lung cysts are abnormal air-filled spaces within the lung tissue. They can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired later in life. Lung cysts can vary in size and number, and their presence can be asymptomatic or associated with various respiratory symptoms.

Causes

The causes of lung cysts can be classified into congenital and acquired factors.

Congenital

Congenital lung cysts are usually caused by abnormal development of the lung tissue during fetal development. They can be solitary or multiple and are often detected during routine prenatal ultrasounds. The exact cause of congenital lung cysts is not well understood, but genetic factors may play a role.

Acquired

Acquired lung cysts can develop later in life due to various factors, including:

• Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung can lead to the formation of cysts as the lung tissue heals.
• Infections: Certain infections, such as tuberculosis or fungal infections, can cause lung cysts.
• Inflammatory conditions: Chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or sarcoidosis, can lead to the development of lung cysts.
• Lymphangioleiomyomatosis: This rare lung disease causes the growth of abnormal smooth muscle cells, leading to the formation of cysts.
• Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A rare condition characterized by the accumulation of abnormal immune cells in various organs, including the lungs, which can result in the formation of cysts.

Symptoms

The presence of lung cysts may not cause any symptoms, especially if they are small and few in number. However, larger or multiple cysts can lead to various respiratory symptoms, including:

• Shortness of breath: Cysts can occupy space within the lungs, reducing their capacity for air exchange.
• Cough: Cysts can irritate the airways, leading to a persistent cough.
• Chest pain: In some cases, cysts can cause discomfort or pain in the chest.
• Recurrent infections: Lung cysts can increase the risk of respiratory infections.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of lung cysts typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Chest X-ray: X-ray images can reveal the presence of lung cysts, although further imaging may be required for a more detailed evaluation.
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: CT scans provide detailed cross-sectional images of the lungs, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the size, number, and location of the cysts.
• Pulmonary function tests: These tests measure lung function and can help assess the impact of cysts on respiratory capacity.

Treatment

The treatment of lung cysts depends on various factors, including the size, number, and symptoms associated with the cysts. In some cases, no treatment may be necessary if the cysts are small and asymptomatic. However, if the cysts are causing significant respiratory symptoms or complications, treatment options may include:

• Cyst aspiration: Large cysts can be drained using a needle or catheter to relieve symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
• Surgery: Surgical removal of cysts may be necessary in certain cases, especially if they are causing severe symptoms or if there is a risk of complications such as infection or rupture.
• Management of underlying conditions: If lung cysts are associated with an underlying condition, such as lymphangioleiomyomatosis or Langerhans cell histiocytosis, treatment of the underlying condition may help manage the cysts.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with lung cysts varies depending on the underlying cause, size, and number of cysts, as well as the presence of associated complications. In many cases, small and asymptomatic cysts have a good prognosis and may not require any treatment. However, larger or multiple cysts, especially those associated with underlying conditions, may require ongoing management and monitoring.

See also

• Pulmonary cystic diseases
• Lung diseases
• Respiratory system

References

• Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? WikiMD's DocFinder can help with millions of doctors!

This article is a stub. Help WikiMD grow by registering to expand it. Editing is available only to registered and verified users. About WikiMD: A comprehensive, free health & wellness encyclopedia.