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What Should I Expect from Cyst Removal?

Erin Oxendine
Erin Oxendine

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.

Surgery may be required to remove certain cysts.
Surgery may be required to remove certain cysts.

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.

Ovarian cysts can cause severe pain if left untreated.
Ovarian cysts can cause severe pain if left untreated.

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.

Ovarian cysts are a common type of internal cyst that grow on the ovaries.
Ovarian cysts are a common type of internal cyst that grow on the ovaries.

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.

Discussion Comments

anon353034

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.

anon314374

@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!

anon300969

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.

anon171502

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.

anon88237

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

LaBordeK

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

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    • Surgery may be required to remove certain cysts.
      By: Franck Boston
      Surgery may be required to remove certain cysts.
    • Ovarian cysts can cause severe pain if left untreated.
      By: Alliance
      Ovarian cysts can cause severe pain if left untreated.
    • Ovarian cysts are a common type of internal cyst that grow on the ovaries.
      By: joshya
      Ovarian cysts are a common type of internal cyst that grow on the ovaries.
    • The method for a cyst removal depends on the type of cyst that a person has.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      The method for a cyst removal depends on the type of cyst that a person has.
    • Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
      By: psdesign1
      Ganglion cysts can be removed by cutting them out or by draining their fluid with a syringe.
    • While sebaceous cysts can occur on any part of the body, they tend to show up on the face and neck.
      By: Max Tactic
      While sebaceous cysts can occur on any part of the body, they tend to show up on the face and neck.
    • Cysts are often tested after removal, to rule out more serious conditions.
      By: laviejasirena
      Cysts are often tested after removal, to rule out more serious conditions.