If you have a cyst or two somewhere on your body, you might be experiencing discomfort and wondering if you need to get it removed. Seeing a doctor for London cyst removal is important as they can guide you on when cysts need to be removed and when they are left as they are. 

What is a Cyst? 

Cysts are very common and usually not something that needs to be worried about. A cyst is a closed sac with a defined membrane. They always contain fluid, air, and sometimes, semi-solid materials. 

Many different factors can determine if you will have cysts or not. Sometimes, acne can turn into a cyst. There are also kinds of cystic acne where a cyst will form under the skin. Most cysts are benign, but there are some instances where you might need to have a biopsy done to see if the growth is cancerous or not. 

Cysts usually develop after an infection or skin trauma. They can also be a result of hormonal imbalance. If people in your family have cysts, you might be more likely to develop cysts as well. 

Different Types of Cysts 

There are many different kinds of cysts and knowing the differences is important. The most common kind is the sebaceous cyst. This is when keratin fluid becomes trapped under the hair follicle or another blocked duct under the skin. Sometimes they look like pimples. The difference is that cysts are further under the skin than pimples. 

Cysts are also more dome-shaped and have a lump that is firm but mobile. They are most commonly found on the face, neck, back, and scalp. 

Another common type of cyst is the epidermoid cyst. They are caused by a buildup of keratin as well and are more likely to become swollen, red, and painful. They are slow growing and benign. They are found on the back, neck, head, and face. 

A ganglion cyst is another common cyst that is mostly found on tendons or joints. They are common on the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet. They are round and fluid-filled lumps. They do not pose a risk to your health unless they are putting pressure on your joints and causing pain. 

Pilar cysts are usually only found on the scalp and can cause hair loss when the cyst becomes too big. Usually, there are not noticed until you start losing hair and then find the cyst underneath. They might feel like a solid knot and can burst when they become too large. 

Digital mucous cysts are found at the base of the fingernails and the toenails. They often have a thick and sticky fluid in them. They can resemble blisters with clear fluid on the inside. 

When Should a Cyst Be Removed? 

Benign cysts do not need to be removed unless they are causing discomfort or pain. You might also want to have it removed if it’s a cosmetic concern and affects your self-confidence. 

You should always talk to a doctor about any new cysts that are painful or causing discomfort. They can advise you on whether it needs to be removed or not. For cystic acne, you might need to be out on acne medication to help it become less of a concern. 

A cyst will always need to be removed though if there is malignant tissue inside or if it becomes infected. These cysts will need to be removed as soon as possible so that it does not cause more complications later in the future. 

Even if a doctor tells you you do not need the cyst removed for medical reasons, you can always opt to have it removed when it’s a cosmetic concern. Just let them know you don’t like the appearance and want to have it removed. 

What Happens If I Don’t Get a Cyst Removed? 

Cysts are not harmful to health so often nothing bad will happen if the cyst is not removed. However, sometimes they can burst which can be painful and cause complications. Large cysts may need to be removed or drained so that they do not burst and leak fluid. 

If the cyst is growing quickly and becoming inflamed or infected, it’s best to remove it before the infection becomes worse. It’s also easier to remove a small cyst, so the ones that are growing should be removed before becoming too large. 

A doctor can always review the cysts and determine if and when they need to be removed.