What is Cyst Excision?
A dermal cyst excision or dermal cyst removal is a
procedure where the cyst, which is a sac filled with liquid
or a jelly-like material, is removed from the skin. Most of
these cysts are found on the skin of the abdomen, chest,
face, neck or scalp. Cysts may stay small for years or
gradually grow larger.
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Effects of Cyst Excision
Cyst excision is done not only for cosmetic reasons, but
also to effectively remove cysts, especially those that can
be cancerous.
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Candidates for Cyst Excision
Candidates for cyst excision are those who have the
following symptoms:
-
A
cyst that is painful or inflamed.
-
A
cyst that grows or changes color.
-
Having a dermoid cyst that ruptures and becomes
inflamed, or causes pain or fever.
-
Also,
those who want to go through with cyst removal for
cosmetic reasons.
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Your
Consultation
During your consultation, you will be advised by your
doctor not to take aspirin, aspirin-containing products, or
anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen for a whole week
before the procedure. It is suggested for you to have
assistance going to and from home after the procedure.
Also, you are not to eat nor drink 8 hours before the
procedure.
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The Cyst Excision
Procedure
Before the procedure, the doctor will first clean the area
over which the cyst is located. He will then inject a local
anesthetic and make an incision directly over the cyst and
then attempt to remove it completely.
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Recovery
After the removal of the cyst, make sure to keep your
bandage clean and dry. Bandages may be changed after 24
hours. If the bandage sticks, use warm water to gently
loosen it, then pat the area dry with a clean towel before
putting on a new bandage. Stitches should be kept dry for
the first 24 hours, only after that can you clean it with a
cotton swab dipped in a mixture of half water and half
hydrogen peroxide.
It is also suggested that you keep the area raised where
the cyst was removed. This will help relieve soreness and
swelling, as well as promote healing. Do not soak or bump
the area where the cyst was removed.
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Risks
Cyst Excision runs the risk of blood clots, excessive
bleeding, infection, recurrence of cysts and recurrence of
cancer.
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Frequently Asked
Questions
Q:
What are dermoid cysts?
A:
A dermoid cyst is a saclike growth that contains fluid,
hair, teeth, or skin glands found on the skin that is
present at birth. Cysts may remain small for years then
gradually grow larger. Cysts are not completely dangerous
but it still needs to be removed to prevent rupturing that
causes pain and inflammation.
Q:
What causes cysts?
A:
Cysts can be caused by an infection or an injury. A
blackhead, which is a sac filled with oil and skin cells
that breaks open can also cause a cyst. Most of these cysts
are usually benign and not a form of cancer.
Q:
Where do dermoid cysts occur?
A:
Most
dermoid cysts are found on the face, some are inside the
skull, and on the lower back. Rarely, dermoid cysts are
also found in the brain, nasal sinuses, spinal cord and
ovaries.
Q:
How can I identify dermoid cysts?
A:
Remember that:
-
Dermoid cysts form from birth and gradually grow. Cysts
can usually be noticed during childhood or early
adulthood.
-
Dermoid cysts are firm and painless unless ruptured.
-
Dermoid cysts are not attached to the overlying skin.
-
Dermoid cysts, although rarely, extends into a structure
deeper than skin like the facial cavity. Some doctors
recommend a CT scan for such cases.
Q:
Is it possible to remove the cyst myself?
A:
It is not recommended for patients to remove cysts
themselves because of the risk of recurrence, bleeding,
infection and other complications.
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