How to Remove Cysts

Cysts are closed sacs filled with fluid. ^{[1] X Source of Research} Cysts can appear anywhere on the body and can be due to infection, genetics, defects in cells, or blocked ducts. ^{[2] X Research Resources} This article will teach you how to recognize the symptoms of different types of cysts and how to treat them.

Table of Contents

Determine type of cyst

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Distinguish between sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts. Epidermoid cysts are more common than sebaceous cysts. Each type will have slightly different symptoms and treatment. Therefore, the correct diagnosis of skin cysts is very important for effective treatment.

Both types of cysts are skin-colored or white-yellow and have a smooth surface. ^{[3] X Research Sources}
Epidermoid cysts are more common. This type of cyst grows slowly and is usually painless. Epidermoid cysts do not require treatment, unless they are painful or infected. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}
Pilar cysts are made up mainly of keratin (the protein that makes up hair and nails) and form from the outer coat of hair, usually on the head. ^{[5] X Trusted Source DermNet NZ Go to Source} Pilar cysts are often thought to be another term for sebaceous cysts, but the reality is that the two types of cysts are different.
Sebaceous cysts usually appear in hair follicles. They form inside the sebaceous glands – an oily substance that coats the hair shaft. When the secretions get trapped, they develop into a small pocket of cheese-like substance. Sebaceous cysts usually appear near the neck, upper back, and on the scalp. ^{[6] X Research Source} Sebaceous cysts are often confused with pilar cysts or epidermoid cysts.

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Differentiate between breast cysts and tumors. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Cysts can appear in one or both breasts. Without a mammogram or a biopsy, it is almost impossible to tell the two types of lumps apart in the breast. Symptoms of breast cysts include:

The lump is soft, easy to move, and has distinct edges
Pain over the tumor
Size and pain increase just before menstruation starts
Size and pain decrease after menstruation ends

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Understanding acne. Acne is a general term to describe various types of pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and nodules. Cystic nodules are raised red bumps, usually 2-4 mm in size, like small lumps, and are the most serious type of acne. A nodule infection is more serious than an infection of other types of pustules or whiteheads. Acne is painful. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Identify ganglion cysts. This is the most common type of hump in the hands and wrists. Ganglion cysts do not cause cancer and are usually harmless. This type of cyst contains fluid, can appear and disappear quickly, or change size. Ganglion cysts do not need to be treated, unless they interfere with lymph node function or cause cosmetic damage. ^{[9] X Research Source}

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Determine if the pain is due to a tailbone cyst. This is when a cyst, an abscess, or a depression forms in the fold between the buttocks, which runs from the lower end of the spine to the anus. A coccyx cyst can be caused by wearing too tight clothing, too much body hair, sitting for a long time, or being obese. Symptoms may include: pus at the cyst site, painful cysts or warm, tender or swollen skin near the tailbone. Or there may be no symptoms other than a cavity or depression in the sacrum of the spine. ^{[10] X Trusted Source FamilyDoctor.org Go to Source}

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Differentiation of Barthpin’s gland cysts. These glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening to lubricate the vagina. When the Barthpin’s gland becomes blocked, a relatively painless swelling forms, called a Barthpin’s gland cyst. You will not find it if the cyst is not infected. Infection can appear after a few days, causing pain, fever, discomfort when walking, pain during sex, and painful lumps near the vaginal opening. ^{[11] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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See your doctor for testicular swelling. All cases of testicular swelling must be diagnosed by a doctor to determine the difference between a cyst, cancer, hydrocele, or testicular infection. Testicular cysts, also called epididymal cysts or epididymal cysts, are painless, noncancerous fluid-filled sacs in the scrotum above the testicle. ^{[12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

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Consider getting a second opinion if you are not satisfied with your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment. Most cases of epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts do not need to be treated by a doctor. But if you have consulted medical advice and are still not satisfied with the results, you may consider consulting further. Most cases of sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts are easy to recognize, but there are other problems that have similar symptoms to these types of cysts. ^{[13] X Research Source}

In a study by the Royal Cplege of Surgeons in the UK, the authors presented two cases in which malignant melanoma and deep recesses of the oral cavity were initially mistaken for a sebaceous cyst.
There are many other infections that can be confused with sebaceous cysts, including boils, boils (pimples), and pustules.

Prevention of cysts

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Understand which types of cysts are not preventable. Pilar cysts develop after puberty and are genetically dominant. This means that hair cysts occur in both sexes, and if a parent carries the gene for hair cysts, there is a higher chance that their child will develop this type of cyst. About 70% of people with pilar cysts will have multiple cysts during their lifetime. ^{[14] X Research Source}

It is currently unknown what causes cysts to develop in breast tissue.
Doctors do not have an exact answer about risk factors and methods of preventing acne. However, nodules are thought to be related to increased hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy, and infections deep in the hair follicles caused by sebum (skin oil) blockages. ^{[15] X Research Source}

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Knowing which types of cysts are preventable. Most cysts are not preventable, except for a few types. For example, measures to prevent tailbone cysts include wearing loose-fitting clothing, maintaining a normal weight, and getting up from sitting every 30 minutes throughout the day.

According to the American Academy of Dermatpogy, there is no effective method to prevent the formation of epidermal cysts. ^{[16] X Research Sources} However, there are groups of people who are at higher risk for epidermoid cysts: men more often than women, people with acne, and people spending too much time in the sun. ^{[17] X Research Source}
People with hand injuries are at a higher risk of developing an epidermoid cyst or ganglion cyst in the hand.
Barthpin’s gland cysts may appear after lesions at the vaginal opening.

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Reduce the risk of cysts. Although most types of cysts are not preventable, you can reduce your risk of getting a preventable type of cyst. Use oil-free skin care products and avoid overexposure to the sun. ^{[18] X Research Sources}

Shaving and waxing can also cause cysts to form. Avoid excessive shaving and waxing of previously cystic sites to prevent cysts from reoccurring or forming new cysts.

Treatment of cysts at home

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Treatment of sebaceous cysts and non-infectious epidermoid cysts at home. Signs of infection include the area of skin where the cyst becomes red, swollen, painful, or red and warm. If home treatments for cysts don’t work or you have symptoms of an infection, you should seek medical attention from your doctor. ^{[19] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

Cysts that cause pain or discomfort when walking or having sex require medical attention and treatment.

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Apply a wet, damp washcloth to the epidermoid cyst to stimulate drainage and healing. The towel should be hot but not so hot that it burns the skin. Apply a towel to the cyst 2-3 times per day. ^{[20] X Research Source}

Cystic acne responds better to ice than to warm compresses.
Barthpin’s gland cysts can be treated at home by taking a Sitz bath (sitting bath) with warm water. Sitz baths are sitting in warm water a few centimeters high to stimulate drainage of the cyst.

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Do not pick, squeeze or squeeze epidermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts. This action increases the risk of infection and scarring. In addition, absolutely do not pick, squeeze or squeeze the blister to avoid deeper infection and increase the risk of scar tissue formation.

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Allow the epidermal cyst to drain naturally. Once the cyst begins to drain, you should cover the cyst with sterile gauze and change the gauze twice daily. Seek medical attention if large amounts of pus begin to drain from the cyst, the surrounding skin turns red and the cyst becomes warm and painful, or blood begins to ooze from the cyst.

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Keep the cyst clean. To prevent infection, you need to keep the cyst and the surrounding skin clean. Wash with soap or antibacterial cream every day.

Seek medical attention

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Know when to see a doctor. Most cysts are completely harmless and will go away on their own, but some require medical attention. You should see your doctor right away if the cyst is swollen or painful, or the skin around the cyst becomes warm because that is a sign of infection. ^{[21] X Research Source}

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Ask your doctor about removing the cyst. If a cyst is affecting your daily life, don’t pop it yourself. Instead, talk to your doctor about whether surgical removal of the cyst is safe and recommended. ^{[22] X Research Source}

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Evaluation of surgical options. There are a variety of surgical procedures, depending on the cyst’s location, size, and how much it interferes with bodily function. There are 3 options to remove cysts on the body. You and your doctor need to talk about each surgical procedure to determine the best option for your case and the type of cyst.

Incision and drainage (I&D) is a simple procedure in which the doctor makes a 2-3 mm incision in the cyst and gently presses for the fluid to drain. This procedure can be done in the doctor’s office for cysts on the skin, such as epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, and superficial coccyx cysts that are not deep or infected (if needed). set). Incision and drainage can be applied to breast cysts, ganglion cysts, testicular cysts or Barthpin’s glands on an outpatient basis, using local or local anesthesia. However, cysts have a high rate of recurrence if the cyst wall is not removed. Incision and drainage cannot remove the wall of the cyst.
Minimal excision will remove the wall of the cyst and the cheese-like fluid inside. ^{[23] X Trusted Source American Academy of Family Physicians Go to source} The cyst is resected and drained before the wall is pulled out. Depending on the size of the cut, stitches may or may not be necessary. This technique may be an option for the treatment of breast cysts, testicular cysts, Barthpin’s gland cysts, and ganglion cysts. The cutting technique is very rarely applied to nodules. This method is usually performed after local anesthesia and the patient can be discharged immediately; General anesthesia is often used for young children.
Laser cyst removal is an option only for large epidermal cysts or where the skin is thick. This is a procedure that opens the cyst with a laser and gently pushes the fluid inside out. One month later, minimal excision is performed to pull out the wall of the cyst. This method of removal is highly cosmetic for non-inflammatory or non-infectious cysts. ^{[24] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to source}

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Determine if removal of the cyst from the skin is necessary. ^{[25] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Many home treatments can be performed to stimulate drainage and heal sebaceous or epidermal cysts. However, you should seek medical attention if a cyst appears to be infected, a cyst is growing rapidly, a cyst in a location is constantly irritated, or if you are concerned about a cosmetic problem.

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Determine if removal of the breast cyst is necessary. ^{[26] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} There is no need to treat a simple fluid-filled cyst in the breast. If you haven’t reached menopause, your doctor will order monthly cyst monitoring. Your doctor may use fine needle aspiration to drain the cyst.

If you notice a cyst during 2-3 menstrual cycles that doesn’t go away on its own or increases in size, your doctor may perform an ultrasound.
Your doctor may recommend taking birth control pills to regulate hormones during your period. This treatment is only used in women with severe symptoms.
Surgical removal is only necessary when the cyst is inconvenient, has blood-like discharge or is green when inserted, or when the doctor thinks it is a non-benign proliferative type. In this case, the entire cyst will be surgically removed (after anesthesia) because incision and drainage will leave the cyst and increase the risk of recurrence.

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Consult a dermatologist about treating acne. ^{[27] X Research Sources} First, your doctor will prescribe medications used to treat other types of acne. If results do not improve, your doctor may recommend Isotretinoin or Accutane.

Accutane is an effective acne control medication. However, the drug can cause side effects such as birth defects in the fetus, increased risk of depression and suicide, and effects on lipid levels, liver function, blood sugar, and white blood cell counts. You need a blood test once a month to monitor your response to the medication. ^{[28] X Source of Study} Women must take two forms of birth control while taking Accutane.

Advice

Most types of cysts are not preventable and do not cause cancer. In most cases, a doctor will wait and see before recommending medical or surgical intervention.

Warning

Never squeeze, squeeze or poke the cyst. These actions increase the risk of infection and scarring of the tissue.
Most skin cysts clear up on their own. If you want to get rid of a cyst faster, you can visit your doctor to discuss treatment options based on the size, location and type of the cyst.
Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after treating a cyst or any skin infection.

Steps