How to Remove a Cyst

Cysts are the little bumpy structures formed under the skin (in tissues) as sacs. They are usually painless and harmless unless contaminated or infected.

If they become large and severe, it causes pain and other symptoms to develop and also obstruct the flow of fluids in the body. They may contain fluid or air or any other material.

They can occur at any part of the body including hair follicles and are of various types.

They can be caused by-

  1. blockage in duct
  2. Tumors or infection
  3. Injuries
  4. Parasites
  5. Genes
  6. Severe inflammation
  7. swelling in hair follicles

Even though they are harmless, one must consult a doctor regarding the cyst.

Medical Procedures for Cyst Removal

A cyst mistook for a boil or a skin abscess or vice versa, which is why, in such cases, the doctor must be seen.

If it is located in the skin, it can be easily diagnosed through palpation. Techniques such as X-ray, MRI, and CAT scans can be used for identification.

Depending upon the type and location of the cyst, it is determined whether it has to be removed or not and what treatment is to be used to get rid of it.

There are a few techniques that can be used when removal of the cyst is essential-

1. Drainage

Cysts can be filled with a fluid such as blood or air or cells and drainage can be used only when liquid is present.

It involves the draining of liquid from the cyst through a small incision after applying anesthesia.

Afterward, a sterile dressing is done with gauze on the would which has to be changed and can be removed in 24-48 hours. It will take one or two weeks for it to completely heal.

Epidermoid cysts should not be drained because it will not be removed which leaves the chances of cyst occurring again.

Plus it causes scarring in the skin which makes it difficult to remove the cyst in the future.

2. Fine Needle Aspiration

The procedure includes the insertion of a fine hollow needle into the cyst for liquid removal which decreases the visibility of bump and the liquid collected can be examined under the microscope.

It is a biopsy procedure, in which, the sample is collected can also be used for the identification of cancer cells if present.

It is a painless and simple procedure. It does not require anesthesia and there is no scarring. It is usually used for breast cysts which tend to recur.

3. Surgery

In some cases such as dermoid cyst, ganglionic cyst, or Baker’s cyst, surgical procedure is required to remove the cyst.

This requires the use of anesthesia for making a cut or an incision, from which, the doctor pulls the cyst out.

Surgery results in a scar and the size of the scar depend upon the size of the cyst and some other factors as well. It might fade away with time.

If the incision is closed using stitches, it takes around 4 weeks to heal. There are still cysts to recur after their removal.

4. Laproscopy

It is a surgical procedure in which many small incisions are made usually in the abdomen or pelvis.

The doctor removes the cyst with the aid of a tiny camera, called the laparoscope, which helps to view that part and carry the process.

It is a minimally invasive surgery. Lesser cutting using a scalpel also means smaller scars and quicker healing. This can be used for ovarian cysts.

Home Remedies Aftercare

There are certain things to be taken care of after removal of the cyst which is important to know. These include:

– Gauze placed in and around the wound may need to be changed from time to time. For its removal, one might need to visit the doctor.

– Area should be kept clean and dry. Initially, bathing and showering must be avoided.

– Chemicals and products that include harsh chemicals must be avoided.

– Since the drainage continues for a few days, proper use of a dry bandage is advised which must also be changed as suggested by the doctor to protect draining cysts.

– In order to avoid infection, the doctor may prescribe some antibiotics which must be taken properly and until the course is completed. Cream and ointments must also be used if suggested by the doctor.

– Painkillers can be taken to prevent the pain that usually occurs during the healing process.

Risks Of Trying To Remove a Cyst At Home

Firstly, since, the cyst can be confused with a boil or abscess, for its diagnosis, it is important to visit a doctor.

Trying to remove cysts at home might not be a good idea for the following reasons-

– If one is not sure if it’s a cyst or not, trying to remove it could worsen the condition.

– Squeezing or popping of a cyst might put it at risk of infection and disease. It can also lead to permanent scars.

– There is a risk of spread of infection if the cyst is already infected.

– Since, it is not done by experts, there is a possibility of incomplete removal of cysting leading to its growth again.

– As there is a risk of spread of infection, other tissues and organs can also be inflicted with problems.

Home Remedies

As said earlier, cysts are usually harmless and painless but sometimes they indicate a serious underlying problem.

So, it must be diagnosed as soon as possible. There are certain home remedies, that one can try, but after consultation with the doctor:

– Apply a warm compress for up to 15 minutes 4-5 times a day until it drains. It also helps with inflammation

– Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be taken to fight and reduce inflammation.

– OTC drugs and painkillers (such as Advil) can be taken to minimize pain

– Cysts related to the eyes (on the eyelid) can be relieved from pain and inflammation by using wipes to clean up the drainage.

– Cool compress is advised for cysts related to the breast and a bra with good support should be used.

– Diet can also be modified to include fiber-rich and anti-inflammatory foods.

It takes some time for cysts to heal properly and in case of complications, the doctor must be seen.

Conclusion

Cysts are painless and do not harm the body. Their diagnosis is important before treatment.

Mostly, they heal on their own but in certain cases, professional help is to be sought for their removal.

You should not remove the cyst on your own, since, it causes the risk of infection and harm to other tissues and organs as well. There are various types of treatments available.

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