Does a Cyst Require Medical Intervention?

Cysts are so common that nearly everyone develops one at some point. While the fluid-filled lumps that form beneath your skin aren’t cancerous, they can pose problems of other kinds. 

The team at Ali Hendi, MD, serving the Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia areas, provides cyst removal at our certified outpatient surgery center.

But do you always need medical intervention for a cyst? Let’s take a closer look.

The basics of cysts

Cysts that form under your skin are also known as epidermal inclusion cysts. Anyone can develop them, but you may be more prone to skin cysts if you’ve dealt with an injury, hormone changes, or fluid backup. 

Medical conditions known to cause cysts include infections, tumors, and chronic inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis. You can also have a genetic predisposition to cysts or develop one due to clogged glands. Very often, however, the cause of a particular cyst remains unknown. Thankfully, you don’t necessarily need to know the cause to get the desired treatment.

When to consider medical treatment for a cyst

Skin cysts that aren’t causing symptoms probably don’t need any medical treatment unless you wish to do away with one for cosmetic reasons. In some cases, cysts cause physical pain and discomfort or interfere with your daily life. 

If you have a cyst on your scalp, for example, it might get caught in your hair brush. A large cyst on your back might feel uncomfortable when you drive or sit back in a chair.

Any time a cyst causes bothersome symptoms, it’s wise to seek professional support. An exam is also important for ruling out other conditions, such as a cancerous tumor. If needed, Dr. Hendi sends a sample of your cyst to our lab for a biopsy. 

Treatment for cysts

One common treatment for a cyst involves puncturing and draining it. There’s a good chance the cyst will grow right back, however, so you may want to consider surgical removal. 

During surgical cyst removal, Dr. Hendi makes a small incision in your skin and removes the cyst completely. Depending on the size of your cyst and the incision, you may need sutures. Regardless, this minimally invasive procedure is quick and doesn’t typically require downtime for recovery.

Your skin will be numb during cyst removal, so you shouldn’t feel any discomfort. If you notice any pain afterward, gently apply a cold compress or ice pack for 10-20 minutes. Elevating the area may help as well.

To learn more about cyst removal or to find out if treatment is in order, call 301-812-4591 or book an appointment online with the practice of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, today.