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.

Cyst excision is done not only for cosmetic reasons, but also to effectively remove cysts, especially those that can be cancerous.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cyst Excision runs the risk of blood clots, excessive bleeding, infection, recurrence of cysts and recurrence of cancer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It is not recommended for patients to remove cysts themselves because of the risk of recurrence, bleeding, infection and other complications.