We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Should I Expect from Cyst Removal?

By Erin Oxendine
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 93,554
Share

Patients often undergo cyst removal in order to treat benign cysts that may be unsightly or causing pain from pressing on a nerve. A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows inside or outside the body. There are different types of cysts, ranging from ovarian cysts to sebaceous cysts. Normally, cysts are very small and do not pose a health risk. However, if the cyst begins to rapidly grow and causes discomfort, doctors will recommend removal of the cyst.

The method for a cyst removal depends on the type of cyst that a person has. For a cyst inside the body such as an ovarian cyst, doctors will conduct a laparoscopic procedure to remove the cyst. This involves putting the patient under general anesthesia and making two small incisions into the stomach. The surgeon will insert a small thin tube with a camera in one incision to see the cyst and then insert a surgical tool into the other incision to pull out the cyst. A patient typically has an expected downtime of two to three days and can return to light activity within a week.

When a patient needs cyst removal of a cyst that is underneath the top layer of the skin, such as a lipoma, doctors have the option of performing it in one of three ways. If the cyst is small, the doctor will administer a local anesthetic in the area where the cyst is, make a small incision and squeeze the cyst out. If it is a large cyst, the person may need to be under general anesthesia in order to remove the lump. Newer treatments are available for fatty lipoma cysts, which include having a dermatologist use liposuction to remove the cyst.

Individuals should realize that even though doctors can remove certain types of cysts, there is a risk that the cyst could return. Doctors do their best to remove the entire cyst but may not be able to take out the entire cyst because of the size and location of the cyst. Occasionally, people have multiple cysts that grow in the same area and a few could form again in the same spot due to the abnormal cells.

After the doctor performs the cyst removal, the physician will send a small sample of the cyst to a pathologist to examine the cells for cancer and other malignancies. Some patients might experience burning or itching near the incision site and will need to wear a protective bandage over the area. Doctors will also prescribe antibiotics and pain pills to take after the procedure to prevent infections and control pain. Patients will have to follow up with their doctor a few days after the cyst removal so that the doctor can check for infection and provide the pathology results.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon353034 — On Oct 27, 2013

I have hidradenitis suppurativa. This non-contagious disease manifests as clusters of chronic abscesses, epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, pilonidal cyst or multilocalised infections, which can be as large as tennis balls or as small as a pea. I have had two of these cysts removed and some glands removed as well. It's a very rare autoimmune disease and considered an orphan disease because there isn't a cure.

By anon314374 — On Jan 17, 2013

@LaBordek: Your cyst is caused by the lymphatic system backing up. All you need to do is educate yourself on the lymphatic system and get your kidneys filtering and detox. It won't come back. Look up Dr. Robert Morse ND. Your body can heal!

By anon300969 — On Nov 01, 2012

I have cysts inside the bone on my finger and in my hands as well as just below my knee. They are very painful and I just got referred to an orthopedic surgeon to see if I need surgery or not.

By anon171502 — On Apr 30, 2011

I have several cysts on my head, even had one removed three years ago and it still drains to this day. I had such a bad experience when the Doc tried to squeeze the biggest one out that i cried and he just kept on going. Next time i get this done to get rid of the rest, i pray they put me to sleep.

By anon88237 — On Jun 03, 2010

i have a cyst inside my leg and i don't know what to do. my doctor says take advil. what do you think?

By LaBordeK — On Jan 27, 2010

I am 20 years old. I have been diagnosed with having a Preauricular cyst since i was about 10 or 11. I have had at least six surgical removal attempts and multiple more draining surgeries in between each removal.

My doctor says the reason we are unable to remove it completely is because it never fully solidifies. I am to the point where i know when it is getting infected and inflamed and i just call my doc up and get the necessary prescriptions and let it open on its own.

I don't want to have to go through a surgery every six months any more. I was hoping someone would have some advice for me. Plus the scar tissue is very sensitive and every time it opens i have more tissue build up. Please help me.

Thankfully, LaBordeK

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-should-i-expect-from-cyst-removal.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.