Cyst Removal in Teaneck, NJ
What Is A Cyst?
Cysts can be confusing. Are they akin to a mole? How about a wart? Neither. There are different types of cysts, but their common characteristic is they are sac-like, and they grow under the skin.
During a skin examination, Dr. Ragi checks patients’ skin for cysts, examining them to be sure they are not cancerous. If needed, he surgically removes cysts. If you have questions about your skin or are looking to have a cyst removed, contact us in Teaneck to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ragi. Call our office at 201-836-9696 or request a consultation online.
Are There Different Types of Cysts?
Cysts are diverse. There are 11 types of cysts:
- Epidermoid cyst — A buildup of keratin under the skin causes epidermoid cysts. They are small, slow-growing, benign cysts that can be found on the face, head, neck, back, or genitals.
- Sebaceous cyst — Sebaceous cysts are usually caused by trauma or damage to a sebaceous gland. They are found on the face, neck, and torso. They are benign.
- Breast cyst — These cysts form in the breasts and are noncancerous.
- Ganglion cyst — Ganglion cysts are round, gel-filled lumps of tissue. They can be caused by trauma or overuse, but not always. They are benign and usually appear along tendons or joints, especially in the hands, wrists, ankles, and feet.
- Pilonidal cyst — A combination of changing hormones, hair growth, and friction from clothes cause these cysts to form in the cleft at the top of the buttocks. They are benign but can become infected.
- Ovarian cyst — Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on one or both ovaries. They may develop as a part of the reproductive cycle or due to another disease or condition. They can be quite painful.
- Baker’s cyst — These fluid-filled cysts form a lump at the back of the knee. They are caused by a problem that affects the knee joint, such as arthritis, repetitive stress inflammation, or cartilage damage.
- Pilar cyst — Pilar cysts are noncancerous, skin-colored, round bumps that usually develop under the skin on the scalp. They are caused by protein buildup in a hair follicle.
- Mucous cyst — Mucous cysts are fluid-filled swellings that occur on the lips or the mouth. They form when a salivary gland becomes plugged with mucus. They are usually caused by trauma to the oral cavity, such as piercings.
- Branchial cleft cyst — A branchial cleft cyst is a developmental irregularity where a lump develops on one or both sides of the neck or below the collarbone. They occur during embryonic development when tissues in the neck and collarbone develop differently. Upper respiratory infections can trigger swelling.
- Perineural cyst — Perineural cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on the spine. They may result from back trauma such as a fall. Symptoms are rare.
When Should I See Dr. Rami about My Cyst?
As you can see from those descriptions, cysts are typically benign. But they can become a problem.
If a cyst becomes very painful or inflamed, this could point to a rupture or an infection.
Also, we should see your cyst even if it isn’t causing any pain or other problems. Differences in these growths can be a symptom of cancer.
When Should a Cyst Be Removed?
To remove or not to remove, that is the question. Most cysts are benign and don’t threaten your health in any way. Some cysts remain small and aren’t visually a problem. In these types of cysts, you probably don’t need to do anything about them.
But as soon as a cyst starts to become painful, starts growing larger, or is ugly and you want it gone, surgery is the way to go.
Surgical removal by Dr. Ragi is the most effective treatment for cysts. Other medical options, such as draining the cyst with a needle, can provide short-term help but the cyst will likely re-form. That’s because when a cyst is drained, the walls of the cyst remain in the skin. These walls make the collection of materials inside the cyst more likely to recur. When Dr. Ragi surgically removes the cyst, he removes it entirely, including the walls. That prevents it from growing back.
What Happens During Cyst Removal Surgery?
These removal procedures at our offices on Palisade Avenue are not difficult. Dr. Ragi applies local anesthetic to the area, and he makes a small incision. He then removes the entire cyst. When patients seek to have a cyst removed, it is usually larger. This means the cyst will have taken up space under the skin, so once the cyst is gone, the wound left may need a few stitches. It can create a small scar.
Will a Cyst on the Face or Body Go Away on its Own?
Cysts can go away on their own, usually when the cause, such as a blocked sebaceous gland, is removed. Still, there is no rhythm nor reason as to which cyst will go away on its own and which will not.
If the cyst is bugging you, it’s best to come see Dr. Ragi and have him remove it.
How Do I Know if a Growth Is a Cyst or a Mole?
Moles and warts grow outside the skin, cysts form under it.
Contact Us Today!
Call the office to schedule your skin examination with Dr. Ragi at 201-836-9696 or click here to fill out your online request. Advanced Laser & Skin Cancer Center is proud to serve Teaneck, NJ, and the surrounding areas.