Are Cysts a Health Concern?

Bumps that appear on your skin can tend to make you nervous, and for good reason. The chief concern when you see an irregularity like this is skin cancer, and if your trips around the sun have included plenty of sun exposure, it’s important to keep on top of monitoring your skin. 

However, cancerous lumps are far from the only types people find. One that develops frequently is a cyst. Here, we talk about what cysts are, where they show up, when to be concerned, and how to seek care for them.

Dr. Luis Quinones at Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, provides expert consultation and care for patients with cysts. 

Since Dr. Quinones is a board-certified surgeon, you’re in good hands regarding diagnosis and treatment. He also treats you with respect, listens carefully to your questions and concerns, and considers your unique treatment needs with great care.

What is a cyst?

A cyst is simply a sac, but interestingly, it can be filled with several things: 

• Air
• Fluid
• Tissue
• Bone

Cysts can develop internally, on your organs, or externally, on your skin. Many cysts don’t present danger and disappear on their own, but some linger and can cause problems, discomfort, and embarrassment, making removal necessary.

Cysts can go unnoticed or cause symptoms

Some cysts cause zero discomfort and you might not notice them if they’re in a hard-to-see spot. They can pop up anywhere, from your face to your torso and extremities. 

However, cysts can also feel sensitive to the touch and become red and inflamed. You might also notice a tiny dark dot in the center of your cyst. 

A cyst can become infected and fill with pus. If pus starts leaking from your cyst, it will be either white or yellow, and since it indicates infection, the substance may also have a bad odor. 

You might develop a cyst due to:

• Hormonal shifts
• A traumatic event or accident
• Genetic conditions
• Ductal blockages
• An infection

Cysts also form when epidermal cells go deeper into your skin rather than shedding. The accumulation of cells constructs “walls,” and proteins grow within them, causing the cyst to fill with semi-solid material or liquid. 

Cysts should be monitored and can be removed if Dr. Quinones recommends it. 

Cysts are expert mimics

A cyst can look like quite a few other things and fool you, making it important to seek care if you discover a cyst. It could be a health worry, or you might find out it’s harmless, but you need to know.

1. A lipoma

A lipoma is a benign tumor filled with fat that develops between your skin and muscle tissue.

A lipoma may cause you to feel embarrassed if it’s visible and can cause pain or discomfort if it’s in a spot that causes irritation when you move or chafing when you wear clothing.

2. A mole

A mole is a collection of pigmented cells (cells that have color) that accumulate in a focused area on your skin. They can be tan, brown, or black, but they can mirror your natural skin tone as well. 

When there’s confusion about whether a dark or skin-colored lump is a mole or a cyst, testing for skin cancer is necessary to ensure it’s not cancerous.

3. Skin cancer

Skin cancer is a bit different because it originates in your cells. The types of skin cancer that Dr. Quinones most often treats are:

• Basal cell carcinomas
• Squamous cell carcinomas
• Melanomas

The treatment Dr. Quinones recommends for skin cancer will depend on its type, stage, and other factors.

Cyst removal

If you need a cyst removed, Dr. Quinones ensures that the minor surgical procedure is comfortable, quick, and seamless. 

To have your cyst assessed or learn more about cyst removal, schedule an appointment with Dr. Quinones today. You can call our office or click online to book.