Though cysts can often appear small and harmless, one day, they may develop into something bigger and painful. When a cyst shows up, it’s an unwelcome surprise, causing anxiety and discomfort for most patients. Fortunately, there are treatments that can help remove cysts from the body, and the board-certified dermatologists at Rendon Center are more than happy to offer this to all our patients.
At Rendon Center, we prioritize patient satisfaction and understand that being healthy can have a heavy impact on feeling confident which is why we offer cyst removal treatments to those experiencing pain, discomfort, or the desire to eliminate cysts completely. To learn more about our cyst treatments and if cyst removal is right for you, read our FAQ below.
What Is a Cyst?
A cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with liquid and/or soft or hard material. While cysts are quite common in overall healthy people, they can at times appear large or painful. Cysts can form anywhere on the body, including on the surface of the skin, genitals, and internal organs. These range from acne cysts to chalazion cysts on the eyelids, from ganglion cysts on the wrists to vocal cord cysts. Painful or not, they can often be an inconvenience, which is why cyst removal treatment is hugely beneficial to many patients!
What’s the Difference Between a Cyst and a Tumor?
A cyst is a sac of tissue filled with another substance, such as air or fluid, while tumors are solid masses of tissue. While both cysts and tumors can form anywhere on the body, cysts are tender and can be moved easily while tumors tend to grow quickly and are firm to the touch.
What Causes Cysts to Form?
Though cysts are able to form in any location of the body and may seem to come out of nowhere, there are a few common causes that prompt cysts to develop. These include:
- Clogged glands, such as the sebaceous glands
- Result from an infection
- Piercings
- Genetic conditions
- Tumors
- A defect in a cell
- Blockages of ducts in the body cause fluids to build up
- Parasites
- An injury that breaks a vessel
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
Are All Cysts the Same?
Most cysts are benign and develop due to blockages in the body’s natural drainage systems. The most common cysts include dermatofibromas and epidermoid cysts, also referred to as sebaceous cysts.
- Dermatofibromas are firm bumps that form in the deep layers of the skin. They are harmless and tend to occur in response to an injury. You’ll likely find these cysts on the arms and legs. They are usually pink or dull red and look like a mole. They rarely need treatment unless they’re painful.
- Epidermoid cysts are growths that form in deeper layers of the skin. They are small, closed sacs containing fluid or solid material composed of dead skin cells.
When Should a Cyst Be Removed?
Cysts that are cancerous should be removed as quickly as possible. Large cysts that are painful to the touch or interfere with other parts of the body (such as chalazion cysts on the eyelids) may also need removal. Cysts that are benign can also be removed, just as a measure of safety.
How Are Cysts Removed?
When we need to treat a cyst, there are a few different methods your Rendon Center dermatologist may use.
- A corticosteroid may be injected directly into the cyst. This steroid will help reduce any swelling if the cyst is tender, swollen, or growing.
- We may aspirate (drain) the cyst by inserting a needle or a catheter into the cavity. If the cyst is deeper in the skin, we may use x-ray or ultrasound guidance to accurately guide needle placement.
- Surgical removal can be used to remove the discharge and the sac that make up the walls of the cyst. This is a better way to prevent recurrence of the cyst, which can happen with aspiration.
- Laser removal can be used. Laser energy first creates a small hole to drain the cyst. Then the wall of the cyst is removed with a minimal excision about one month later.
Is a Cyst Removal Painful?
In most cases, when a cyst needs to be removed, the patient will be provided with local anesthesia to optimize comfort and prevent them from feeling any pain during the procedure. If you feel you are sensitive to pain during surgery, our doctors will be happy to discuss other options to help you have the most comfortable patient experience possible.
Can Cysts Be Prevented?
Unfortunately, some cysts cannot be prevented, which is why it is recommended to consult with your doctors about any lumps on your skin to determine which procedure can best treat it. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent certain types of cysts from forming such as:
- Washing your face and body thoroughly to prevent pore and gland clogging
- Avoid piercings to avoid cysts and infections
What Is Recovery Like after Cyst Removal?
If there is any recovery involved, this is a direct relationship to the method used and probably the size of the cyst. Aspiration usually doesn’t require any recovery beyond keeping the site clean if on the surface. If the cyst was surgically removed, these are typically only minimal incisions, and they can usually be closed with just a single suture or even only a bandage.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been experiencing discomfort from a cyst, or would like a doctor at the Rendon Center to provide expertise regarding your cysts, don’t hesitate to contact us today by clicking here! Our team is eager and ready to help you feel your best!
