Cysts

Cysts are benign lumps or bumps that develop under the skin, often filled with pus or fluid. They can form on any part of the body in various sizes and are usually slow-growing.

Although usually harmless, these visible lumps under the skin can cause pain or discomfort if they become inflamed or ruptured, leading to redness or tenderness in the affected area and a discharge of fluid if they burst.

There are many different types of cyst, the most common being:

• Epidermoid cyst: small, benign bumps that form when a hair follicle is blocked and causes a build-up of skin cells and keratin behind the blockage
• Pilar cyst: slow-growing, benign cysts that grow from hair follicles, most commonly being found on the scalp
• Sebaceous cyst: the sebaceous glands produce oil (sebum), which coats your hair and skin. If this gland or its duct becomes blocked then a sebaceous cyst can form
• Ganglion cyst: build up of gel-filled tissue along tendons or joints, commonly in the hands, wrists, ankles and feet
• Baker’s cyst: swollen build-up of fluid located at the back of the knee
• Bartholin’s cyst: swollen build-up of fluid located just inside the opening of the vagina
• Meibomian cyst or chalazion: blockage of the meibomian gland around the eyelid, resulting in the build-up of a small lump on the eyelid

There are many things that can cause cysts, and their exact cause is not always known. There are some common causes which can be managed, however, there are also certain predispositions which make it more likely that you will develop a skin cyst.

The most common causes of cysts are as follows:

• Blocked sebaceous glands, hair follicles or other ducts in the body, which cause build-ups of fluid or other substances
• A defect in the skin cells which causes a cyst to form
• Infections which trigger an inflammatory response or block glands
• Impact injuries which cause trauma underneath the skin and result in cysts when the body reacts to protect itself

Cysts are usually nothing to worry about and will usually go away without treatment, however, in some cases they can become infected or rupture, leading to pain and possible scarring. In rare cases they can transform into a malignant growth.

The risk of cysts developing or becoming worse can be minimised by maintaining good hygiene and avoiding picking or squeezing any lumps that have developed on the skin.

Advice should be sought from a dermatologist if you are experiencing discomfort or notice changes, or if you have an unidentified lump that is concerning you.

At RENA Clinics, our team of consultant dermatologists is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care throughout the diagnosis and treatment process.

A comprehensive consultation at RENA Clinics involves a consultant dermatologist conducting a detailed physical examination of your skin. If necessary, a biopsy may be performed to ensure the cyst is not cancerous

It is highly recommended to seek professional medical advice before deciding on the removal of a cyst. If a small cyst is not causing any discomfort, it may not require removal. However if the cyst is bothersome there are options such as excision or steroid injection. For more information on cyst removal, please feel free to contact us, and your healthcare provider will be happy to discuss your options further.

Usually, no treatment is necessary unless the cyst is bothersome, painful, or growing. It is important to understand the nature and recent changes in any growths before deciding whether treatment or further examination is required.

We offer a full cyst and skin check service conducted in-house by one of our expert consultant dermatologists, with potential treatment depending on the type, size and location of the cyst.

At RENA we can offer a range of options with regards to monitoring, managing and treating cysts. Treatment options include surgical removal if the cyst is painful, recurrent or cosmetically undesirable, as well as drainage and injections for inflamed cysts.