Polycystoma

POLYCYSTOMA, polykystoma (from Greek polys - many and kystoma - cyst-like tumor), synonym kystoma multiloculare, a tumor of multiple cysts. The term P., now little used, was formerly applied to such pathological formations in which a large number of cavities filled with various contents are found upon section. In essence, P. may refer to formations of the most varied nature. Sometimes this is a group of retention cysts formed from glandular ducts (e.g., certain P. of the pancreas), in other cases it is a developmental defect of some glandular organ, e.g., the ovary, in third cases - so-called cystic teratomas. Finally, they may also be true tumors, and some tumor-like P. originate from solid tumors (chondromas, fibromas, sarcomas) through the formation of cavities within them due to softening of the tissue, others belong to glandular tumors designated as adenocystomas (see Adenoma), and still others are tumors of lymphatic vessels - lymphangiomas. (See also Cyst.)