Types of cysts – symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment
Skin cysts are annoying to control and can be a pain for various reasons, but with this guide, you will know everything you need to know what they are and how to treat them.
What are cysts?
Skin cysts are a closed capsule-like structure that looks similar to a blister usually filled with liquid, gaseous material, or semisolid. They will form on most types of body tissue that will come in various sizes. Cysts can often refer to a regular bag or sac formation in the body.
Types of common skin cyst
- A sebaceous or epidermoid cyst is known for benign swelling in the skin, which appears within the sebaceous gland.
This will also be filled with yellow-toned sebum. When you notice swelling on the surface, then this is a big sign to the start of a sebaceous cyst. After they grow to a more massive cyst, they will often become unsightly and painful. - A pilar cyst is more skin-colored, and they appear in bumps on the skin’s surface.
You will often find them on the scalp as they sit within the lining of the hair follicles. The bumps will be small in size yet firm and smooth to touch. Although these cysts are harmless, some become anxious or conscious, so they will consider getting them surgically removed.
What causes skin cysts and symptoms to look out for
An ingrown hair can be a common cause for cysts by causing an infection, and blocked pores can also cause them due to a blockage in the skin.
A cyst will appear as a small bump under the skin at first, which grows slowly and smoothly. They will not cause a clinical issue unless they become infected, grow larger or impinge on a nerve or blood vessel. However, they can cause embarrassment cosmetically.
Diagnosis and treatments
Cyst removal is a procedure where the area is numbed and sliced, then the cyst is squeezed out and sac removed in order to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Private clinics offer treatments for all types of cyst removal, including sebaceous, pilar or epidermoid cysts. Visiting a company such as Cosmedics Skin Clinics means that you are getting years of experience, high expertise and excellent diagnosis. Cyst removal is carried out as a pain-free procedure with minimal scarring.
As doctors, they can advise or refer you if needed if you have a cyst requiring referral, as may be the case with ganglion or acne.
The best way to get cysts treated is to read reviews and research about clinics that offer such procedures to ensure you are being treated by experts.
Pilar Cyst Removal Demonstration Video
by Dr Ross Perry
Dr Ross Perry removed an embarrassing and uncomfortable pilar cyst from the patient’s scalp. The problem had persisted for over 5 years. The removal involved:
- Preparation – local anaesthetic to ensure comfort throughout
- Cyst removal – firstly, the skin is punctured using a special device and then the contents of the cyst are thoroughly squeezed out, leaving the skin flat again
- Cyst sac removal – Once the cyst has been removed, the remaining sac is drawn out, leaving no trace, so that the cyst cannot regrow
- Wound closure – Using tiny stitches, the video shows how the wound is neatly closed so that it can heal well to leave a ‘minimal scarring’ result after healing
Dr Perry’s 3-step process is intended to give the best possible results in the long term. This is achieved firstly by reducing the risks of the cyst recurring and secondly by ensuring a neat wound closure for best healing results with minimal scarring after healing.
Cyst Removal
Treatment of cysts is a minor surgery procedure which is commonly carried out at Cosmedics’ Skin Surgery Laser Clinics in London and Bristol.
The procedure is undertaken in clinic and done same day (often during the same appointment as the consultation if both patient and doctor are happy to proceed). It can be carried out using local anaesthetic and Cosmedics’ doctors and surgeons use minimal-scarring techniques.
This is an excellent option for patients who are refused cyst removal on the NHS, as sebaceous cysts of no medical concern are classed as a cosmetic issue.
Private cyst removal is available with organisations such as Skin Surgery Laser Clinic who have a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Skin lesions are removed using the latest surgical techniques for minimal scarring; with trained doctors and surgeons. The lack of waiting lists is a real advantage and if the doctor and patient agree, many cysts can be removed in the consultation without need for booking a separate appointment for treatment.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
