All the various types of cysts are closed sacs or capsular structures filled with fluid, semi-solid or gaseous material, which can form in many parts of the body. They can generally be found on the skin, knees, brain and kidneys; women may also have them in the breasts, vagina, cervix, or ovaries. Cysts can be caused by infections, develop due to a genetic predisposition, parasites, lesions, a defect in the cells or a blockage of the various ducts of the body. Based on the different type of cyst, specific treatment is required and the symptoms vary depending on the area of the body where it is formed.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Determine the Type of Cyst
Step 1. Learn to distinguish between a sebaceous cyst and an epidermoid
The second is decidedly more frequent than the first; each of these has slightly different symptoms and needs to be treated a little differently. So it is important that the cyst you have on your skin is diagnosed correctly so that the right treatment can be found.
- Both types of cysts have the same skin color or are yellowish-white, with a generally smooth surface.
- Epidermoid cyst is the most common. It typically grows slowly and painlessly and hardly requires treatment unless it causes pain or becomes infected.
- Pilar cysts are mainly composed of keratin (the protein that is present in hair and nails) and are formed from the outer sheath of the hair, typically on the head. A pilar cyst is often thought of as a sebaceous cyst, but they are actually different.
- Sebaceous cyst is often found in the hair follicles on the head. It forms inside the glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance that covers the hair. When these normal secretions become trapped and cannot escape freely, they build up to form a pouch that contains a cheese-like material. Generally this type of cyst develops near the neck, upper back and on the scalp.
Step 2. Recognize the difference between a breast cyst and a tumor
Cysts can form in one or both breasts; without a mammogram or biopsy it is almost impossible to distinguish the two different types of nodules. Symptoms of a breast cyst are:
- A smooth lump that moves easily and with well-defined edges.
- Pain or tenderness to touch over the lump.
- Size and soreness increase just before the start of the menstrual cycle.
- The size and pain decrease at the end of the menstrual cycle.
Step 3. Learn to recognize cystic acne
The term acne is quite generic and describes a variety of different types of pimples, blackheads, pustules, whiteheads, and cysts. Cystic acne is formed by red, raised nodules, often 2-4 mm in size, spherical and hard to the touch; this is the most severe form of acne. In this case the infection is deeper than that which can result from other types of pustules or pimples, and it is also very painful.
Step 4. Recognize a ganglion cyst
This type of lump is the one that forms the most easily on the hands and wrists. It is not cancerous and is often harmless. This cyst is fluid-filled and can quickly appear, disappear, or change in size. It usually does not require treatment, unless it interferes with normal limb functions or is really bad aesthetically.
Step 5. Find out if the pain is caused by a pilonidal cyst
In this case, the cyst, abscess or depression forms in the crease between the buttocks that runs from the lower end of the spine to the anus; for this reason it is also called sacrococcygeal cyst. It can form by wearing tight clothing, due to unwanted hair, sitting for long periods of time or even if you are obese. You may notice the presence of pus in the area, it is painful by directly touching the cyst while the skin surrounding the coccyx can be warm, swollen and sensitive. Or you may not experience any symptoms beyond the hollow or dimple at the base of the spine.
Step 6. Locate a Bartholin's gland cyst
These glands are located on both sides of the vaginal opening and are meant to lubricate the vagina. When a gland becomes blocked, a relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst can be observed. If the cyst is not infected, you may not even notice it. However, an infection could develop within a few days and in this case the symptoms are malaise, fever, discomfort while walking, pain during sexual intercourse and a sore lump near the vaginal opening.
Step 7. Check for a testicular cyst
A testicular cyst, also called a spermatocele or epididymal cyst, is usually a painless, non-cancerous fluid-filled sac that forms in the scrotum above the testicles. It is important to consult your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis, so that you can verify its nature and thus differentiate it from a cancerous growth, a hydrocele or a testicular infection.
Step 8. Consider getting a second opinion if you are not satisfied or convinced with the diagnosis and treatment indicated by your doctor
Although most Epidermoid and Pilar cysts do not require medical attention, if you visit a doctor and are not satisfied with their diagnosis, you can go elsewhere for a second opinion. The diagnosis for most sebaceous and epidermoid cysts is clear and unambiguous, but you may suffer from other diseases that include these formations among their symptoms.
- In a study carried out at the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the authors presented two cases in which a melanoma and a deep lesion in the oral cavity were originally mistaken for a sebaceous cyst.
- There are many other infectious processes that can be mistaken for a sebaceous cyst, including boils and carbuncles.
Method 2 of 4: Preventing Cysts
Step 1. Know the types of cysts that cannot be prevented
Pilar cyst, for example, develops after puberty and its main cause is an autosomal dominant hereditary predisposition. This means that it can develop equally in both sexes and, if a parent carries the gene for the Pilar cyst, the risk that it can also form in children increases. 70% of people with these genetic characteristics will have multiple cysts in their lifetime.
- To date, there is no known cause for cysts that develop in the breast tissues.
- Doctors are not yet able to give a clear answer regarding the risk factors and prevention methods for cystic acne, but it is believed to be related to increased hormone levels during puberty, pregnancy and deep infections. of hair follicles caused by the obstruction of sebum (skin oil).
Step 2. Learn about the types of preventable cysts
It is not possible to prevent most cysts, but for some it is possible; for example, you can prevent a pilonidal cyst from forming by wearing loose clothing, keeping your body weight normal, and getting up every 30 minutes throughout the day.
- According to some reliable research, there are no effective techniques to prevent the formation of an epidermoid cyst. However, there are some groups of people who appear to be most at risk; in particular, men are more prone to it than women, as well as acne sufferers and people who spend a lot of time in the sun.
- People who have suffered injuries on their hands are more likely to suffer from epidermoid or ganglionic cysts on the hand.
- Bartholin's gland cysts can occur after an injury in the area of the vaginal opening.
Step 3. Reduce the chances of a cyst developing
While most cysts are unavoidable, you can reduce the chances of preventable ones developing. Use oil-free skin products and avoid excessive sun exposure.
Shaving and waxing can also contribute to cyst formation. Try not to shave too much and do not wax too much in areas where you have already had cysts, to avoid recurrence and growths
Method 3 of 4: Home Treatments
Step 1. You can treat an uninfected epidermoid or sebaceous cyst at home
You can tell if there is an infection if the area becomes swollen, red, painful to touch, or warm. If home treatments do not give the desired results or symptoms of an infection occur, you need to see your doctor for more effective treatment.
If the cyst causes pain or discomfort when walking or during sexual intercourse, medical attention is needed
Step 2. Apply a warm, moist compress to the epidermoid cyst to facilitate drainage and stimulate healing
The cloth should be warm, but not too hot to burn the skin. Place it on the bulge 2-3 times a day.
- Ice is more suitable for cystic acne than heat.
- Bartholin's gland cyst can be treated at home by taking hot baths of the affected area. This means sitting in a few inches of warm water to encourage drainage and drainage of the liquid.
Step 3. Avoid pinching, squeezing, or trying to squeeze an epidermoid or sebaceous cyst
This increases the risk of infection and scarring. Don't even try to squeeze or squeeze cystic acne or you will push the infection even deeper and increase the risk of scar tissue forming.
Step 4. Let the epidermoid cyst drain naturally
When the fluid begins to leak spontaneously, cover the cyst with a sterile bandage and change it twice a day. However, if you notice a copious discharge of pus, the skin surrounding the cyst becomes red, hot and painful to the touch, or begins to leak blood, you should see a doctor.
Step 5. Cleanse the wound area
If you want to prevent possible infection, you need to keep the cyst and surrounding skin thoroughly clean. Wash it every day with an antibacterial cream or soap.
Method 4 of 4: Medical Care
Step 1. Know when to call a doctor
Most cysts are not dangerous at all and go away on their own, but others require medical attention. See your doctor if the cyst is painful, swollen, or the surrounding skin becomes warm, as these are all signs of possible infection.
Step 2. Ask your doctor for information about removing the cyst
If it interferes with your normal daily activities, don't try to crush it yourself. Talk to your doctor to consider whether and how safe a surgical removal is.
Step 3. Evaluate the different surgical options
These differ based on the location and size of the cyst and how it interferes with normal body functions. There are three possible solutions for removing a cyst from the body. You should discuss with your doctor and evaluate each of these to determine which is best for your specific situation and the type of cyst you have.
- Incision and drainage (“I&D”) is a simple procedure in which the surgeon makes a 2-3 mm cut on the cyst and gently extracts the contents. This small surgery can be done on an outpatient basis for cysts on the skin, such as epidermoid and sebaceous cysts and superficial pilonidal cysts, as long as they are not deep or infected. The I&D procedure can also be performed for breast, ganglion, testicular, or Bartholin's gland cysts, using local or general anesthesia, depending on the specific situation. However, keep in mind that there is a greater chance of recurrence when the cyst wall is not removed, which cannot be done with this procedure.
- A minimal excision technique involves removing the cyst wall and draining the material into it. The cyst is opened and the fluid drained before the cyst wall is removed. A few stitches may (or may not) be necessary at this point, depending on the size of the incision. This is the technique that is usually chosen for cysts in the breast, testicles, Bartholin's glands and ganglion cysts. Surgical excision is very rare for cystic acne; in this case a surgical removal is performed under general anesthesia, while it is more frequent that a local anesthetic is administered in cases of epidermoid or sebaceous cysts.
- Laser removal is only an option for epidermoid cysts when they are large or located in an area of the body where the skin is thick. This procedure consists of opening the cyst with a laser and gently extracting the fluid contained within. One month after surgery, a minimal incision is made to remove the cyst wall. This procedure typically offers good cosmetic results in cases where the cyst is not inflamed or infected.
Step 4. Determine if removal of a skin cyst is needed
There are some home treatments that promote drainage and healing of sebaceous and epidermoid cysts. However, it is wise to seek medical attention if there is a suspicion of infection, if the cyst is growing rapidly, if it is in a position where it is constantly subjected to irritation, or if you are concerned about cosmetic issues.
Step 5. Consider whether a breast cyst should be removed
No specific treatment is needed if you have a simple fluid-filled cyst in your breast. If you haven't reached menopause yet, your doctor will ask you to monitor the cyst every month. In some cases, you may want to see a surgeon to have the cyst drained with a fine needle.
- If it seems to you that a cyst does not shrink spontaneously after 2-3 menstrual cycles or even increase in size, your gynecologist may prescribe an ultrasound.
- He may also recommend oral contraceptives to regulate the hormones of the menstrual cycle. However, this treatment is only recommended when symptoms are severe.
- Surgical removal is only necessary when the cysts create discomfort, if blood is seen when aspirating the fluid, or when the doctor believes that there may be a non-benign type of growth. In this case, the entire cyst will be completely removed with an operation involving general anesthesia, since the simple incision and drainage procedure would leave the capsule and increase the risk of recurrence.
Step 6. Consult a dermatologist for cystic acne treatment
Your doctor will likely prescribe medications for other types of acne first. If you don't get good results with these, other isotretinoin medicines, such as Roaccutan, will be recommended.
Roaccutan is an effective drug that helps prevent scarring. However it can cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy, it can increase the risk of depression and suicide, it can affect lipid levels, liver function, blood sugar and white blood cell count. During its intake it is necessary to carry out blood tests once a month to monitor the body's response to the drug
Step 7. Get treatment for a ganglion cyst
Generally this type of cyst is not treated with surgery, but is kept under observation. The area may need to be immobilized if doing activities increases the size, pressure, or pain of the area. When it causes pain or restricts movement, fluid aspiration is often done. In this procedure, the doctor extracts the material that fills the cyst with a fine needle, often in a simple day hospital setting in the operating room.
If your symptoms are not relieved by nonsurgical methods (needle aspiration or immobilization), or the cyst reforms after aspiration, your doctor may recommend that you perform a surgical excision of the cyst. Part of the involved tendon or joint capsule is also removed during excision. Keep in mind that there is a small chance that the cyst may re-form even after complete removal. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia
Step 8. Treat a Bartholin's gland cyst
In this case the type of treatment depends on the size of the cyst, the discomfort it creates and whether it is not infected. Warm baths to the area (sitting in several inches of warm water) several times a day can facilitate spontaneous drainage of the cyst.
- Surgical incision and drainage is done if the cyst is very large or infected and hot baths are not effective. In this case, local anesthesia or sedation will be performed. A catheter is placed and remains in the gland for up to six weeks to keep it open and allow complete drainage of the cystic material.
- In case of infection, antibiotics will be prescribed.
Step 9. Learn about the necessary care for a testicular cyst
The first thing to do is to make sure the cyst is benign (not cancerous). If the cyst is large enough to cause a feeling of heaviness or dragging of the testicle, a surgical excision will be considered.
- For teens, surgery isn't usually recommended right away. Rather, children are taught to perform self-examinations to identify and promptly report any changes or enlargements that may require a surgical procedure.
- Percutaneous sclerotherapy is a procedure that reduces the risks of scrotum surgery and has achieved good results in the field of research. An ultrasound system is used to guide the injection of a sclerosing agent; 84% of the sample of men undergoing the surgery did not experience symptoms for the next 6 months. The sclerosing agent reduces the size and symptoms of the testicular cyst. This procedure carries far fewer physical risks and reduces the chance of recurrence.
Advice
Most types of cysts are not preventable and are not cancerous. In many cases the doctor recommends waiting in the hope that it will reabsorb on its own, before recommending any type of medical or surgical intervention
Warnings
- Make sure you never squeeze, squeeze, or tease a cyst, otherwise you increase the risk of infection and scarring.
- Most skin cysts resolve on their own. If you want to quickly remove yours, you must go to your doctor and analyze with him the various treatment solutions, based on the size, location and type of cyst.
- Always wash your hands before and after treating a cyst or any other skin infection.
