Removing Cysts – The Simple Facts

A cyst, regardless of where it is located, is simply a sac of fluid. Cysts can range in size, occur almost anywhere, and may cause no problem, or lots of problems. Some doctors just prefer removing cysts to be safe. Depending on the location of the cyst, or the pain and discomfort it causes, your doctor may also prescribe painkillers and/or in the case of ovarian cysts, hormonal therapy which includes certain types of birth control pills used to shrink the mass of tissue.

Having a cyst removed is usually fairly simple, assuming of course, it’s only the cyst being removed. Removal rarely calls for general anesthesia and it’s almost always done as an outpatient. Internal cysts, especially ovarian cysts, are usually removed using a laparoscope.

Complications are few, and rare – post op bleeding or an infection. Biopsies are usually done as a routine screening practice.

For cysts that are already bleeding or perhaps have attached themselves to an internal organ that could be damaged, such as a Fallopian tube or even part of an intestine, surgery would be more complicated. Occasionally the cyst needs to be drained first before surgery is performed in order to reduce the chances of having the cyst burst just prior to or during surgery.

Another common area for cysts to form is the scalp. Because of the oils and hair products that most people have on their hair on a regular basis, it’s not at all uncommon for small cysts to erupt. Usually they cause no problem at all unless they are being scraped by brushes or combs or they are rubbed too vigorously during shampooing.

For those that do need removal, it’s done in a doctor’s office using a simple procedure called a needle extraction. For cysts whose contents are less fluid, total removal is probably necessary. These both can be done under a topical anesthetic such as Novocain. Depending on the size you may need one stitch.