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Cyst versus Pseudo cyst, what are they?

What is a cyst? and what is a pseudo cyst? I know pseudo means false, but if its not a cyst what is it?

Also the same goes for pseudo seizure and anything else medical that has a pseudo prefix.

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Most 'pseudo' terms mean something closely resembles/merely appears to be something (but as you said, isn't). What it actually is varies from term to term.

    In the case of a pseudocyst, it appears to be a cyst with just a CAT scan or eye, but isn't because it doesn't fit the technical criteria by not having a defined epithelial layer as a wall, but a mat of connective tissue instead. Therefore the causes are different and so are the treatments.

    Pseudoseizures similar deal. They outwardly look like an epileptic seizure, but unlike epilepsy aren't caused by abnormal neuronal activity; the roots are psychological. Thus, as before, the ensuing treatments are different. So on and so forth.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudocyst

    They look similar but have different implications for what is going on. In this case, a pseudocyst involves an inflammatory process.

    You take a cyst out (or leave it alone if its someplace that doesn't matter). A pseudocyst, you need to find out why it is there.

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