Bronchogenic Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Bronchogenic Cyst?
A thoracic surgeon is the doctor who usually removes a bronchogenic cyst. Children may see a pediatric surgeon. A chest doctor, called a pulmonologist, often helps with testing first. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a bronchogenic cyst?
A bronchogenic cyst is a fluid filled sac. It forms before a baby is born, when the airways grow in an unusual way. The cyst is made of tissue that normally lines the airways. Most of these cysts sit in the mediastinum, the space in the chest between the lungs, or inside the lungs. They grow slowly. Most are not cancer.
Symptoms
Many cysts never cause symptoms. They are often found by chance on a scan done for another reason. When a cyst grows large or gets infected, it can cause:
- A cough that does not go away.
- Chest pain or discomfort.
- Shortness of breath or wheezing.
- Repeated lung infections.
- Trouble swallowing, if the cyst presses on the food tube.
In babies and small children, a large cyst can press on the airways and cause serious breathing trouble.
Causes and who gets it
A bronchogenic cyst is a birth defect of the airways. Early in pregnancy, a small bud of airway tissue grows in the wrong place. It turns into a closed sac filled with fluid. Doctors do not know exactly why this happens. The cysts are rare. They are most often found in children and young adults, but some are not found until later in life.
How doctors diagnose it
A chest X-ray may show the cyst first. A CT scan, a detailed X-ray test, is the main test used to see its size and place. An MRI scan, which uses magnets instead of X-rays, can help in complex cases. The doctor may also use bronchoscopy, a test with a thin camera tube passed into the airways. Checking a sample of the cyst after it is removed gives the final answer.
Treatment
Not every cyst needs surgery right away. For a small cyst that causes no symptoms, the doctor may suggest regular checkups with imaging. Many experts still advise removing cysts to stop future problems. Surgery is the standard treatment for cysts that cause symptoms, grow, or get infected. The surgeon removes the cyst, sometimes using a minimally invasive method with small cuts. An infected cyst may need drainage and antibiotic medicine, medicines that fight infection. Surgery usually cures it.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for a lasting cough or repeated lung infections. A person with a known cyst should be seen for a fever, because that can mean the cyst is infected. Call 911 or go to the emergency room for severe trouble breathing, especially in a baby or child, for chest pain that lasts two minutes or more, or if you cough up blood.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can arrange the first scans, follow you between visits, and coordinate care with a chest specialist or surgeon.
Common questions
Is a bronchogenic cyst cancer?
Almost always no. These cysts are benign, which means not cancer. Cancer arising in a cyst is very rare, which is one reason doctors may advise removing it.
Can a bronchogenic cyst go away on its own?
No. The cyst does not shrink by itself. Small cysts without symptoms can be watched with scans, but many doctors recommend surgery to prevent problems later.
Is surgery always needed?
Surgery is the standard treatment for cysts that cause symptoms, are infected, or press on nearby structures. A small cyst without symptoms may only need regular imaging checkups.
Can bronchogenic cysts be prevented?
No. The cyst forms before birth, so there is no known way to prevent it. With surgery, the outlook is excellent.
Sources
- StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - Bronchogenic Cyst
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Bronchogenic cyst
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
