Filled with fluid or a semi-solid substance, cysts occur anywhere on the body. Though not always harmful to your health, they may affect your appearance or cause discomfort. The board-certified team of general surgeons at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY in New York City remove cysts from many parts of the body. They’re conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Astoria area of Queens, and Bayside neighborhood in Flushing. Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online today.
Cysts
What are cysts?
Cysts are membranous sacs filled with fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts may occur anywhere on your body, including under your skin.
Some of the types of skin cysts include:
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts develop when skin cells move deeper into your skin and multiply. The skin cells create the wall of the cyst and secrete keratin, which fills the cyst.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts develop when your sebaceous glands can’t secrete sebum, trapping the oil and creating a thick, cheese-like substance.
Pilonidal cysts
Pilonidal cysts develop near the tailbone at the top of the buttocks. These cysts occur when hair punctures the skin, creating an open tunnel that fills with skin cells and loose hair, increasing the risk of infection.
When should I seek surgical consultation for my cysts?
Most cysts are benign. However, you should schedule an appointment at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY if your cyst bothers you.
The team also recommends scheduling a consultation if your cyst is inflamed, warm to the touch, or has foul-smelling drainage. These symptoms may be signs of an infection.
Surgical Specialists of Greater NY removes cysts and other masses from many areas of the body, including, but not limited to:
- Scalp
- Neck
- Arms
- Back
- Legs
- Buttocks
The team also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of lipomas — fatty tumors that develop under the skin.
What happens during a consultation for cysts?
Before removing your cyst, your surgeon at Surgical Specialists of Greater NY conducts an in-depth clinical exam. They ask detailed questions about your growth, including how long you’ve had it and how it’s changed over time.
Your surgeon also reviews your medical and family history and examines the cyst. They may also extract a sample of the contents of your cyst to determine the type and rule out a malignancy.
Your surgeon may also request diagnostic imaging to assess the size and depth of your cyst.
How are cysts removed?
Your surgeon may remove your cyst under general or local anesthesia depending on the type, size, and location.
Your surgeon makes an incision on the skin above or near the cyst, drains the fluid, and removes the capsule to prevent a recurrence. They close the incision and cover the area with a sterile bandage.
You need to arrange to have someone help you home after your cyst removal and take it easy the rest of the day. Most people resume their usual activities within a day.
Call Surgical Specialists of Greater NY or click the online booking button to schedule your cyst surgical consultation today.