When compression is applied to a cyst what can occur?

When compression is applied to a cyst what can occur?

• A. It will change shape
• B. It will disappear
• C. It will become malignant
• D. It increases echogenicity

Answer: (A)

Cysts are fluid-filled and compressible, so under gentle pressure they deform and change shape. This shape change happens because the liquid content can shift and the wall can flex when the probe applies pressure, which is a distinguishing feature of cystic versus solid lesions. It doesn’t usually disappear with light compression—the fluid remains even if the contour changes. Compression doesn’t make a cyst malignant, and it doesn’t reliably increase echogenicity—the simple cyst typically stays anechoic with posterior enhancement. So the most accurate outcome is that it will change shape.

Cysts are fluid-filled and compressible, so under gentle pressure they deform and change shape. This shape change happens because the liquid content can shift and the wall can flex when the probe applies pressure, which is a distinguishing feature of cystic versus solid lesions. It doesn’t usually disappear with light compression—the fluid remains even if the contour changes. Compression doesn’t make a cyst malignant, and it doesn’t reliably increase echogenicity—the simple cyst typically stays anechoic with posterior enhancement. So the most accurate outcome is that it will change shape.