The majority of people do not immediately go to the clinic when they see a cyst. It is, at first, not always serious, it is sometimes a small bump, which may be slightly tender or uncomfortable, under the skin. Many people also wonder what doctor treats cysts when they notice a small bump, slight tenderness, or discomfort under the skin. Some people think it is a pimple, ingrown hair, or just swelling that will go away on its own.
However, over the years, this may change. As the cyst enlarges, it can become painful or begin to leak fluid, or it can make sitting or getting around, walking or going to sleep difficult. It’s at this point that anxiety begins to rise.
People begin to visualize suffering procedures, surgical treatment or stitches and/or bad news. Worry about what will happen can sometimes be more stressful than having a cyst.
In reality, however, the majority of doctor’s visits regarding cysts are much simpler and easier-to-handle than people imagine.
The Physical Examination
First, the patient discusses the symptoms with the doctor and after discussing the symptoms, the doctor examines the cyst directly. This would typically be quicker and less uncomfortable than people realize.
The doctor examines the size, shape, texture and position of the cyst. They also check for any signs of infection including redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness or discharge.
However, in most cases, diagnosis is made as a result of the experienced doctor’s examination and knowledge of your symptoms. Most common cysts do not require complicated tests to be diagnosed.
The pain in the area will make doctors very careful when examining the area, as inflamed cysts will be very sensitive to pressure.
Not All Cysts Require Immediate Treatment
What many patients are surprised to learn is that not all cysts or doctors automatically suggest surgery or procedures for them.
If the cyst is not infected, if it is small and not causing pain, the doctor may just observe the cyst. A few cysts grow into a size that does not cause any significant issues and can be left as is for many years.
Treatment typically is limited to when the cyst:
- Becomes painful
- Gets infected
- Continues growing
- Makes moving or sitting more difficult or uncomfortable
- Repeatedly comes back
Even the word “harmless” brings a lot of relief to many people to find out the cyst is harmless.
If the Cyst Is Infected, What Will Happen?
An infected cyst will act very differently from a simple, benign lump.
The swelling may be complicated by redness, feeling warm, swelling, and very painful. Some cysts become filled with pus, which may cause the skin to be tight and make it uncomfortable to move.
In such situations, the primary concern of the doctor is to first deal with pain and infection.
Antibiotics may be used at times, but if they are not enough, the problem may worsen if pus accumulates within the cyst. That’s because drainage is generally required to heal an infection that’s filled with fluid.
For more details about diagnosis, you can also read this helpful guide on how pilonidal cysts are diagnosed.
The Procedure Most Patients Worry About: Drainage
When a patient is told that his/her cyst will have to be drained it may seem like a frightening process, but it is usually much simpler than they think.
Local anaesthetic is first applied to the area to minimize any discomfort. When numb, the physician will create a small opening and drain the trapped pus or fluid from the cyst.
The majority of patients are amazed at the relief they experience afterwards. Once the fluid is removed the pressure that caused the throbbing pain is reduced very rapidly.
The doctor will drain the area, thoroughly clean the area and then put on a dressing. Depending on the severity of the infection, some patients may be prescribed an antibiotic.
Many times, the patient walks out of the clinic in a whole different light.
Will Surgery Be Required?
Not always.
Drainage and/or mild treatment may cure some cysts completely and they never come back. Others may recur due to the presence of the cyst wall or sinus tract that is still under the skin.
When a pilonidal cyst or sebaceous cyst keeps recurring or is a significant problem on a frequent basis, it may need to be surgically removed.
Surgery is recommended only if the benefits greatly outweigh the risks and discomfort involved in a recurrence.
Should Tests or Scans Be Used?
Most skin cysts can be diagnosed by their appearance. Sometimes, however, imaging tests are suggested if imaging is difficult, the cyst is very deep or very large.
Doctors often use ultrasound for this reason, as it enables them to view tissues without an invasive procedure.
However, most often, for common cysts, there is no need for extensive testing.
Why Delaying Treatment Can Make Things Worse
A major error is waiting to the last moment when it becomes too uncomfortable to be in the cyst.
They still hope it will go away but as the infection progresses it becomes more painful. When they eventually reach out for assistance, it can be hard for them to sit, walk or sleep.
Treatment of a condition is typically easier and less painful, and recovery is less complicated when the condition occurs early on than when it reaches a more advanced stage of infection.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the doctor for a cyst typically is not as daunting as one would think. The majority of visits consist of a review of your symptoms, examination of the cyst and determining if the cyst should be monitored, drained, treated with medication, or removed.
It is important not to ignore persistent pain, swelling, and/or infection.
Though it could just be a minor hassle at first, a medical assessment can ensure that it does not become a huge hassle in the future.
