Cyst
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Integrated Dermatology of Bridgeport
Medical Dermatologists & Cosmetic Dermatologists located in Trumbull, CT
If you’ve noticed a new suspicious skin lump on your neck, scalp, or upper back, it may be a cyst. To find out the exact cause, see the specialists in Bridgeport, Connecticut at Brookside Dermatology Associates. The team provides quick and effective treatment to remove and test cysts for possible signs of cancerous changes so you can understand what’s going on with your skin. To have a suspicious lump examined, request an appointment online or call the office today.
Cyst Q & A
What are cysts?
Cysts are sacs or capsules that form inside the skin or body. They can contain liquid or semi-solid material, depending on what has caused the cyst to form. When cysts form in the skin, they typically appear in the back of the neck, upper back, and scalp.
What do cysts look like?
There are two types of cysts that can show up in the skin. Both types appear as whitish-yellow or flesh-colored smooth-surfaced lumps. Cyst types include:
Epidermoid cysts
Epidermoid cysts form when layers of surface skin cells move deeper into the skin and multiply. These surface skin cells form the walls of the cyst and produce a soft, yellowish substance called keratin that fills the cyst.
Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts form inside oil glands in your skin. These oil glands are responsible for producing oil called sebum which builds up inside sebaceous cysts when the glands become clogged. If the sebaceous glands are blocked, the sebum can turn from a liquid into a thick, cheese-like substance.
Treatment for cysts is available at Brookside Dermatology so you can avoid any discomfort or cosmetic issues caused by the formation of cysts.
Who gets cysts?
Cysts that develop in the skin are more common in certain patients, including:
- Men
- People past the age of puberty
- People with a history of acne
- People who’ve had significant sun exposure
- People who’ve had previous skin injuries
While it’s not always possible to prevent cysts, wearing sunscreen and preventing UV damage by wearing a hat or other clothing to cover your skin may be helpful.
How are cysts treated?
There are two approaches to treating cysts, depending on their location and cause, including:
Drainage
When a cyst needs to be drained, your provider inserts a thin needle into the cyst to remove the fluid inside. This causes the cyst to collapse. This procedure is usually the fastest and recommended for epidermoid cysts
Surgical removal and biopsy
If a cyst becomes very large, is causing discomfort, or may be a sign of cancer, the team may recommend surgical removal and/or biopsy. Your provider uses a local anesthetic to numb the area before removing the cyst with surgical tools.
The team offers in-office treatment for cysts in their surgical suites that allow for privacy and precision.
To find out if your new skin lesion is a cyst, ask the doctors at Brookside Dermatology Associates. Simply call or click to schedule online now.
