Cysts are sacs that form in the skin or anywhere in the body. They're filled with fluid, air, or other material.
There are many different types of cysts. Causes include:
- blockages in ducts
- swollen hair follicles
- infection
Cysts are typically harmless and don't always require treatment. They should, however, be diagnosed by a doctor.
Continue reading to learn when a cyst should be removed, how they're typically removed, and why you should have a doctor perform the procedure.
It can be difficult to identify a cyst versus a boil, skin abscess, or something else that may need treatment. That's why it's important to see a doctor for diagnosis.
It's possible your cyst may not have to be removed. Your doctor may recommend other treatment depending on the type and location of the cyst.
When a cyst must be removed, here are some methods your doctor may use:
Drainage
Under local anesthesia, a doctor will make a small incision through which the cyst can be drained. Your doctor may pack some gauze into the wound, which can be removed after a day or two. To treat or prevent infection, you may need to take antibiotics. Your wound should heal within a week or two.
Drainage is not recommended for epidermoid or pilar cysts on the skin. The procedure leaves these cysts in the skin, which will eventually cause them to recur.
Drainage can also cause scarring on the surface of the skin and under the skin. This can make cysts more difficult to remove in the future.
Fine-needle aspiration
For this procedure, a doctor will insert a thin needle into the cyst to drain the fluid. This should make the lump less noticeable.
This method may be used for breast cysts, which can sometimes recur. Fine-needle aspiration is also used for biopsy procedures to determine if a breast lump contains cancer cells.
Surgery
Surgery is an option for some types of cysts, such as ganglion, Baker's, and dermoid cysts. Local anesthetic can be used to numb the area. After making a small cut, the doctor will pull out the cyst.
Surgical removal of the cyst will result in a scar. The size of the scar depends on several factors, including the size of the cyst.
Ganglion cysts and Baker's cysts sometimes recur after surgery.
Laparoscopy
Certain cysts, such as those that develop in the ovaries, can be removed laparoscopically. In this procedure, a surgeon uses a scalpel to make a few small incisions. Then they insert a thin camera called a laparoscope into one of the incisions to help them view and remove the cyst.
This procedure results in only a few small scars because of the small size of the incisions.
Your doctor will provide aftercare instructions. These may include the following recommendations:
- Keep the wound covered with a dry bandage. There may be some drainage for a few days, so change the bandage as advised.
- If gauze was placed in the wound, you may need to return to the doctor's office for removal or you may be told how to remove it yourself.
- If oral antibiotics were prescribed, take them until you finish them all, even if your wound looks healed.
- Use antibiotic creams or ointments as advised.
- Take over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers or pain medications as prescribed.
Healing time depends on the type of cyst and how it was removed.
It may be difficult to know for sure if you have a cyst or something else entirely. Trying to remove it yourself can be risky for many reasons:
- If it's not a cyst, you could be making the situation worse.
- Popping, squeezing, or bursting a cyst with a sharp object can lead to infection and permanent scarring.
- If the cyst is already infected, you risk spreading it further.
- You can harm surrounding tissues.
- If you don't remove the whole cyst, it can become infected or eventually grow back.
For these reasons, you should not attempt to remove a cyst on your own.
Most cysts on the skin are harmless and resolve on their own. But some cysts may be a sign of a more serious underlying health condition. Before trying any home remedies, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
If your doctor approves, here are some home remedies you can try:
- Use over-the-counter (OTC) nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
- Apply a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day. This may help ease inflammation and encourage drainage.
- For eyelid cysts, use OTC eyelid wipes to clean up any drainage.
- For breast cysts, wear a supportive bra that fits well. You can also try a cool compress.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for a cyst to clear up. If it doesn't, talk to your doctor about additional remedies or cyst removal.
Most types of cysts can't be prevented, but you can lower your risk for some.
While it may be tempting, you should not try to remove a cyst on your own. Most cysts on the skin are harmless and resolve without treatment.
While there are a few home remedies, some cysts do require medical treatment. It's best to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.