At Village Medical, we understand that discovering a cyst can be worrying. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form in different parts of your body, and while most are harmless, some may require treatment. Village Medical providers will give a quick overview of the most common types of cysts our patients come to us about.
We want you to have a better understanding of what cysts are and what treatment options exist.
Epidermoid cysts form under the skin from cells producing a protein called keratin.
They usually appear as small, slow-growing lumps under the skin on the face, neck, or body.
Most of the time, these cysts don't need treatment unless they become tender, red, or very noticeable.
Sebaceous cysts occur on the skin and fill with an oily substance from the oil glands. You can find them on the face, neck, or body.
People refer to sebaceous cysts as "epidermoid cysts" interchangeably, but this is incorrect. Sebaceous cysts are less common and originate from the sebaceous glands, which produce the skin's oil (sebum).
You can often leave sebaceous cysts alone unless they grow large, rupture, or become infected - then they may need draining or removal.
Ganglion cysts swell up near joints and tendons, usually on the hands or wrists. They form from the lubricating fluid of the joints. Most go away on their own eventually. If bothersome, medical professionals can drain them or surgically remove them.
Baker's cysts are fluid-filled lumps that pop up behind the knee. They happen when knee joint swelling bulges out the back of the knee. Treatment involves rest, compression, medication, and draining excess knee fluid buildup.
Ovarian cysts grow on the ovaries. They are typically harmless follicles that go away each menstrual cycle. But some stick around and may need hormone therapy or surgical removal if they get very large or twist the ovary.
Kidney cysts often don't cause symptoms and only pop up on imaging tests. However, kidney cysts can grow large and cause some pain, and even become infected. If this happens, make an appointment with your doctor to create a treatment plan for kidney cysts.
Simple kidney cysts usually require no treatment. Polycystic kidney disease causes many cysts that can affect kidney function.
Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs within breast tissue. They are common and not cancerous but may need draining a needle for testing. Women with repeat breast cysts might take hormones to prevent more cysts.
While most cysts are harmless, any that grow or hurt need examining by your doctor. Quick evaluation and treatment can help manage cysts effectively. We're here to help if you have any concerns.
We know discovering a cyst can feel concerning. Try not to panic - most turn out to be harmless. But it's reasonable to have your doctor take a look at it if the cyst:
While some cysts go away on their own, others may lead to problems if not treated. An untreated cyst can potentially:
Having your doctor assess any bothersome cysts means you can take steps to prevent complications down the road.
The good news is that most common cysts, like epidermoid, sebaceous, or ganglion cysts, do not become cancerous.
However, there are some exceptions:
Any rapidly growing or unusual cyst needs evaluation for cancer risk - but rest assured, this is rare with most cysts.
The bottom line - talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about a cyst so they can determine if treatment is necessary. We're here to make sure you get the best care!
Finding out you have a cyst can be worrying. However, there are several options available if your cyst does need medical care. We will summarize common treatments here so you know what to expect.
The specific treatment will depend on factors like the type of cyst, its location, your symptoms, and your medical history.
No matter where a cyst develops or what type it is, our team is here to help. We will take the time to understand your health history, evaluate your symptoms, and recommend the most appropriate steps to either treat your cyst or monitor it.
Please reach out to providers at your local Village Medical if you have any concerns about a cyst. When you do, we can get you the caring, expert care you deserve.