Cysts or Moles

General & Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, including hernia repair, gallbladder surgery and colorectal surgery, as well as breast surgery located in Lithonia and Decatur, GA

Cysts and Wound Care services offered in Decatur, Lithonia, GA

Lumps and bumps on the skin can be alarming, but comprehensive care from a trained surgeon prevents complications and preserves your skin health. At Q&S Surgical in Decatur and Lithonia, Georgia, Luis A. Quinones, MD, and the surgical team diagnose and treat all types of cysts and skin conditions that mimic them, including moles, skin cancer, and lipomas. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online to learn more.

Cysts Q & A

What is a cyst?

A cyst is a sac filled with fluid, air, tissue, and other elements, such as bone. They can develop nearly anywhere in your body, including your skin and internal organs. While most go away independently, persisting cysts can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and even dangerous. Surgically removing a cyst is one of the most effective ways to treat it.

What are the symptoms of cysts?

Cysts are often symptomless. You may not realize you have one unless it’s apparent on your skin. Common signs of epidermoid (skin) cysts include:

A small bump on the face, neck, or trunk of the body
Redness or swelling
A lump that feels tender to touch
A small black dot (blackhead) in the center of the bump

Infected cysts can also fill with yellow or white pus. This bacteria-filled fluid may ooze from the cyst and give off a foul smell. Treating an infection is essential to prevent the cyst from rupturing and causing a larger bacterial infection.

What causes cysts?

Cysts can develop anywhere in the body for many reasons, including trauma, genetics, and hormonal changes. When a cyst forms on the skin, it’s usually the result of epidermal cells penetrating deeper into the skin rather than shedding. This buildup of cells forms a wall that produces proteins in its interior, causing fluid or semi-solid materials to develop.

Are there other conditions that look like cysts?

Many conditions can look like cysts, including:

Lipoma

A lipoma is a noncancerous tumor made of fat. These lumps usually develop between the skin and muscle tissue. While lipomas rarely cause complications, they can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and, in rare cases, evolve into cancer.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer develops in the skin cells. The most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. These lesions often form red, pink, or skin-colored nodules that resemble cysts. Early detection is essential to protect yourself from skin cancer.

Moles

Moles are clumps of pigmented cells that collect on the skin. They’re usually brown, black, or tan, but they can resemble your skin color. If you have a mole that looks like a cyst, you must undergo a skin cancer screening to ensure the growth is not cancerous.

Call Q&S Surgical today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about cysts.

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