COMMON SURGICAL CONDITION
Cyst
A closed sac beneath the skin filled with fluid, pus, or semi-solid material — often harmless, but prone to infection, recurrence, and discomfort if not properly removed.
ABOUT THIS CONDITION
What is cyst
A cyst is a closed, capsule-like sac that forms beneath the skin or within tissues, filled with fluid, pus, keratin, or semi-solid material. The most common types include sebaceous (epidermoid) cysts, pilar cysts on the scalp, ganglion cysts on wrists and joints, and dermoid cysts. Most cysts are painless and grow slowly, but they can become red, swollen, and tender if they get infected — sometimes discharging foul-smelling material. Unlike simple abscesses, cysts have a permanent capsule that must be removed entirely; otherwise, they tend to recur. Definitive treatment involves surgical excision of both the cyst contents and the capsule, typically done under local anaesthesia as a day-care procedure. Dr. Abhishek Katha performs precise cyst removal with minimal scarring at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad.
SIGNS TO WATCH
Common Symptoms
Symptoms that need attention
WHY IT HAPPENS
Causes & Risk Factors
- Blocked hair follicles or sebaceous ducts
- Trauma or repeated friction to the skin
- Genetic predisposition (Gardner's syndrome, Steatocystoma multiplex)
- Hormonal factors — more common after puberty
- Poor hygiene leading to follicle blockage
- Previous infected cyst that wasn't fully removed
CLINICAL DETAILS
KeyFacts
Sebaceous, pilar, ganglion, dermoid, or other
Complete excision with capsule removal
Minimal incision excision for cosmetic areas
Walk out same day; stitches removed in 7–10 days
Complete cure when the capsule is fully removed
Available at Lux Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad
HOW WE TREAT IT
Treatment Approach
Complete Cyst Excision
Dr. Abhishek removes the entire cyst along with its capsule — preventing recurrence — through a small cosmetic incision under local anaesthesia. Infected cysts are first drained and treated before definitive removal.
- 1
Consultation & Assessment
Clinical examination; ultrasound is used for deeper cysts or when in doubt about the nature.
- 2
Treatment Planning
Immediate excision for uninfected cysts; infected cysts are first drained, then excised after inflammation settles.
- 3
Surgical Procedure
Excision of cyst and capsule through a small incision under local anaesthesia, closed with fine sutures.
- 4
Recovery & Follow-up
Wound dressing, suture removal at 7–10 days, and histopathology review to confirm diagnosis.
AVAILABLE TREATMENTS
Treatment Options
Cyst Excision
Complete removal of the cyst along with its wall to prevent recurrence and ensure long-term resolution.
Incision and Drainage (I&D)
Procedure to open and drain infected cysts, relieving pain and controlling infection quickly.
Marsupialisation
Technique where the cyst is opened, and edges are sutured to allow continuous drainage and prevent recurrence.
Cyst Aspiration
Minimally invasive procedure to remove cyst fluid using a needle, offering temporary relief in selected cases.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
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