OPTIONS FOR CYST REMOVAL WITH A BOARD CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEON

A skin cyst usually presents as a firm nodule under the skin. In most cases, it is difficult to determine the contents of the nodule without a physical examination, as there is a possibility it could be a tumor, a lymph node, a lipoma, or other type of growth. The diagnosis of a cyst can be inferred by physical examination, transillumination, the location of the nodule, and the history of its growth, whether slow growing or fast growing.

Most skin cysts (epidermal cysts) are slow-growing nodules under the skin that are not firmly affixed to the underlying tissue. The cysts can contain hair remnants, sebum, purulence, or keratin. These cysts can occur on the scalp, face, chest, back, extremities, or in association with a piercing.  Cysts that occur on the hands, fingers, or wrists are usually ganglion cysts and these are treated conservatively unless symptomatic.

It is unknown what causes skin cysts in the first place. It is thought that they occur from invagination of the epidermal lining of the skin as a result of trauma, failure of embryonic migration of the epidermal or dermal skin components, or from clogging of a pore or hair follicle.  Acne is a major cause of deeply rooted cysts in the skin. Ganglion cysts are caused by an osteophyte on the synovium of the joint. 

Common names for skin cysts include pilar cysts of the scalp, epidermal inclusion cysts that contain keratin, or sebaceous cysts that contain sebum.  

If you have had a previous history of acne, there is an increased risk of developing epidermal inclusion cysts or sebaceous cysts of the face, chest, or back.

Symptoms of a Skin cyst:

Most skin cysts present as a slow-growing nodule under the skin. There is usually no pain associated with the cyst unless it is inflamed, in which case the cyst may become red, swollen, and painful. Inflamed cysts are treated differently than non-inflamed cysts.

The firm lump under the skin may be the only presenting sign. Some patients choose to squeeze or pop a cyst, which is generally not a good idea as it can internally rupture the cyst wall. This will inevitably cause the cysts to enlarge or the contents to evacuate from the skin. Both situations are not conducive to overall improvement of the cyst.

Picture of a Neck Cyst

 Diagnosis - Skin Cyst - Los Angeles

Dr. Karamanoukian will examine the cyst and determine if there is a need for cortisone injection, surgical evacuation, or surgical excision. In many cases, the cyst will be treated conservatively with observation only.

Diagnostic examinations include manual palpation of the cyst, transillumination, and rarely aspiration.

Non-operative Treatment of Skin Cysts: Los Angeles

Skin cysts can be treated conservatively if they do not pose a threat to a patient or if they are not symptomatic. Injections of cortisone are sometimes performed if there is evidence of active inflammation of a cyst.

Surgical Removal of Skin Cysts: Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, San Fernando Valley, and Los Angeles

Surgical removal of skin cysts can be performed in an outpatient setting in our office or in an accredited outpatient surgical center. Surgery involves injection of a local anesthetic followed by an incision over the cyst itself. Surgical dissection is carefully performed to remove the entire cystic structure in its entirety.