Cysts are often annoying but mostly harmless skin growths. It’s important to get your cysts checked to ensure they are, indeed, harmless.
Though cysts are not usually medically concerning, you may want them removed.
Cysts are sebaceous-filled masses than can appear virtually anywhere on the skin. In most cases, these benign lesions occur on the trunk, neck, scalp and face.
There are many types of cysts that develop for different reasons. Here are a few of the most common types of cysts.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are actually found in men twice as often as they are found in women.
Normally, sebaceous cysts are asymptomatic, but in some cases, they can become infected or inflamed. Although it’s quite rare, sebaceous cysts can produce foul-smelling discharge. Many people prefer to have their cysts removed and all that is required is a simple procedure involving local anesthesia.
Epidermoid cyst
These cysts are small benign cysts that are slow-growing and most commonly found on the face, head, neck, back, or genital areas.
This type of cysts is typically formed by a buildup of keratin beneath the skin. Epidermoid cysts look either skin-colored, tan, or yellow filled with a thicker material than sebaceous cysts.
When Epidermoid cysts become infected, they can become swollen, painful and red.
Ganglion
These types of cysts are most commonly found along tendons or joints, typically in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. They’re fluid-filled lumps of tissues, most often formed due to injury, trauma, or overuse.
However, the cause can be unknown.
Ganglion cysts tend to be common and relatively harmless, unless they grow enough to put pressure on other structures, which can cause pain or discomfort.
Yes, cysts are relatively common. There are many different types of cysts, and anyone can get them at any time.
Most cysts aren’t painful unless they interfere with and put pressure on sensitive areas of the body. Many patients don’t even realize they have a cyst until they skim over it with their hands.
Cysts can get painful depending on where they are located. For example, ganglion cysts that form on the wrist can cause discomfort if they grow to the point of putting pressure on certain nerves in the wrist area.
Removal of cysts can alleviate this.
Cysts form for a number of reasons. Most often, however, cysts are caused by clogging of sebaceous glands.
Typically, cysts are comprised of fluid, dead skin cells, hair, or other tissue.
Cyst removal is often easier than many patients expect. However, a trained and experienced professional should always handle cyst removal.
Any cysts that are located on the skin can be removed easily. The area containing the cyst will be cleaned and numbed. Surgical excision is used to remove the cyst. However, the entire cyst wall must be extracted. After the cyst removal, stitches are used to seal the incision. In most cases, the stitches will be removed anywhere from one to two weeks later.
All surgical procedures will create some form of scarring. The scar will obviously form in the area where the cyst was removed. However, Dr. Bobby Buka will do his best to ensure scarring is minimal. Also, scarring will improve over time.
During the procedure, most patients experience only minor discomfort. A numbing injection is administered before the procedure, which is usually the only portion of the treatment a patient will actually feel. Although some patients experience minor soreness, most people will not experience any pain or soreness.
Anyone who needs to have one or more cysts removed should schedule with The Dermatology Specialists located throughout New York City.
