Cyst ( cystic tumors)

Understanding Cysts: Expert Diagnosis and Treatment in Glasgow

Dealing with a cyst? Whether it’s a small bump under your skin or a more specific concern, understanding what a cyst is and knowing your options is the first step. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our expert Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeon provide specialist assessment and effective cyst care services for a wide range of skin-related cysts.

This page aims to provide comprehensive information about various types of cysts, address common concerns, and explain how our specialists can help. While many cysts are harmless, professional diagnosis is key.

Cysts
Cysts

Understanding Cysts: Expert Diagnosis and Treatment in Glasgow

Dealing with a cyst? Whether it’s a small bump under your skin or a more specific concern, understanding what a cyst is and knowing your options is the first step. At Harley Street Medics in Glasgow, our expert Dermatologist and Plastic Surgeon provide specialist assessment and effective cyst care services for a wide range of skin-related cysts.

This page aims to provide comprehensive information about various types of cysts, address common concerns, and explain how our specialists can help. While many cysts are harmless, professional diagnosis is key.

Table of Contents:

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin. There are many different types of cysts. Most cysts are benign (non-cancerous), but it’s always important to get them checked by a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis.

What does a cyst look like? The appearance of a cyst can vary greatly depending on its type and location. Skin cysts often appear as a bump or lump under the skin. They can be small or large, soft or firm to the touch.

Common Types of Cysts & Specific Concerns

While Harley Street Medics specialises in the diagnosis and removal of skin-related cysts, we understand you may have questions about various types. Here’s some information:

Skin-Related Cysts (Treated at Harley Street Medics):

  • Epidermoid and Pilar Cysts (Often called Sebaceous Cysts):
    These are common skin     cysts filled with keratin (a protein). They appear as small, smooth lumps under the skin, often on the face, neck, scalp, or torso.
    • How to get rid of a cyst? How to remove a cyst?
      Professional removal by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon is the most effective and safest way. This usually involves a minor surgical procedure to excise the cyst sac, preventing recurrence. Discover our professional Cyst Removal services in Glasgow.
    • Can a cyst be cancerous?
      While most skin       cysts are benign, a biopsy may be performed on a removed cyst to rule out any cancerous changes, especially if it shows unusual features.
    • How long does it take for a cyst to go away with antibiotics?
      Antibiotics are prescribed if a       cyst becomes infected and inflamed. They treat the infection but do not typically make the cyst itself disappear. The cyst may shrink as the inflammation subsides, but it often requires removal to prevent recurrence.
  • Ganglion Cysts:
    These are non-cancerous lumps that usually develop along the tendons or joints of your wrists or hands, but can also appear in ankles and feet. They are filled with a jelly-like fluid.
    • What is a ganglion cyst?
       It’s a fluid-filled swelling overlying a joint or tendon sheath.
    • How to drain a ganglion cyst yourself?
      We strongly advise against attempting to drain any       cyst yourself, including a ganglion cyst. This can lead to infection, injury, and a high chance of recurrence. Our specialists, like Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib (Plastic Surgeon), can discuss professional treatment options.

Other Types of Cysts (Requiring Specialist Medical Attention Beyond General Dermatology/Plastic Surgery for Skin):

It’s important to understand that many cysts occur internally and require diagnosis and treatment by other medical specialists (e.g., Gynaecologists, Urologists, Neurologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons). While we provide general information here, Harley Street Medics would refer you to the appropriate specialist for these conditions.

  • Bartholin Cyst:
    • What is it?
      A fluid-filled swelling on one of the Bartholin’s glands, which are located on each side of the vaginal opening.
    • What does a Bartholin cyst look like pictures?
      While pictures can give an idea, self-diagnosis is unreliable. If you suspect a Bartholin       cyst, see a gynaecologist.
    • How to burst a Bartholin cyst at home / How to pop a Bartholin cyst yourself? Do not attempt this.
       It can cause severe pain, infection, and worsen the condition. A gynaecologist can provide safe treatment, which may include drainage or marsupialization.
    • Is Bartholin cyst dangerous?
      They are usually not dangerous but can become infected and painful (abscess).
  • Ovarian Cyst:
    • What is it?
      A fluid-filled sac on or in an ovary.
    • What size of ovarian cyst is dangerous?
      Size is one factor; others include the       cyst’s appearance on ultrasound and whether it causes symptoms. Most are benign, but large or complex cysts, or those causing severe pain, require urgent gynaecological assessment.
    • What does ovarian cyst pain feel like?
      It can range from a dull ache to sharp, sudden pain, typically in the lower abdomen or pelvis.
    • What to expect after an ovarian cyst ruptures?
      A ruptured ovarian       cyst can cause sudden, severe pain and may require medical attention.
  • Vaginal Cyst:
    • What does a vaginal cyst look like?
       These can appear as lumps or bumps on the vaginal wall. They are often small and may not cause symptoms, but should be checked by a gynaecologist.
  • Kidney Cyst (Renal Cyst):
    • What is it?
      A fluid-filled sac in the kidney.
    • What size of kidney cyst is dangerous?
       Most simple kidney cysts are benign and don’t cause problems. Very large cysts or complex cysts may require monitoring or treatment by a urologist or nephrologist.
    • What does a cyst on the kidney indicate?
      Often, simple       cysts are incidental findings. Complex cysts need further investigation to rule out serious conditions.
  • Liver Cyst (Hepatic Cyst):
    • What is it?
      A fluid-filled sac in the liver.
    • What size of liver cyst is dangerous?
       Most are benign. Large cysts causing symptoms or certain types of cysts may require treatment by a hepatologist or surgeon.
  • Brain Cyst:
    • Can a cyst on the brain kill you?
      This depends entirely on the type, size, location, and growth rate of the brain       cyst. Some are benign and asymptomatic, while others can be life-threatening and require neurosurgical intervention. Any suspected brain cyst needs urgent specialist neurological assessment.
  • Baker’s Cyst (Popliteal Cyst):
    • What is a Baker’s cyst?
      A fluid-filled       cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. It’s often related to an underlying knee joint problem like arthritis or a cartilage tear.
    • What not to do when you have a Baker’s cyst:
       Avoid activities that aggravate knee pain. Consult an orthopaedic specialist or physiotherapist.
    • How to sleep with Baker’s cyst:
      Sleeping with your knee slightly bent or straight, possibly with a pillow under your calf for support, may help.
    • How long does a Baker’s cyst last?
      It can vary. Some resolve with treatment of the underlying cause, while others may persist or recur.
Lipoma

Why You Shouldn’t “Pop” or “Drain” a Cyst Yourself

We strongly advise against trying to burst a bartholin cyst at home, drain a ganglion cyst yourself, or attempt any form of self-surgery on any cyst. Here’s why:

  • Infection: Introducing bacteria can lead to a painful infection and abscess.
  • Scarring: Improper removal can cause more significant scarring.
  • Recurrence: If the cyst sac isn’t completely removed, the cyst is likely to return.

Misdiagnosis: What you think is a harmless cyst could be something more serious that requires specific medical treatment. Trying to dissolve a cyst naturally is often ineffective and can delay proper diagnosis.

Professional Cyst Treatment at Harley Street Medics, Glasgow

For skin-related cysts, our experienced specialists, Dr. Vincent Kabeya (Dermatologist) and Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib (Plastic Surgeon), offer expert diagnosis and treatment.

Our Approach:

  1. Accurate Diagnosis: Thorough examination to identify the type of cyst and rule out other conditions.
  2. Personalised Treatment Plan: Discussion of the best removal options for your specific cyst.
  3. Minimally Invasive Techniques: Procedures are performed with a focus on safety, complete removal, and optimal cosmetic outcomes. This often involves surgical excision under local anaesthetic.
  4. Histopathology: If there’s any doubt, the removed cyst tissue can be sent for laboratory analysis.

We understand that dealing with a cyst can be concerning. Our team is committed to providing a supportive and professional environment.

Learn more about what to expect during your visit to Harley Street Medics.

Hear From Our Patients

Frequently Asked Questions About Cyst

Let’s address some more common queries:

What exactly is a cyst?

A cyst is a general term for a closed, sac-like pocket of tissue that can form almost anywhere in the body or under the skin. This sac can contain fluid, air, pus, or other material. There are hundreds of types of cysts, varying in size and significance.

No, the vast majority of cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and harmless. However, it’s impossible to know for sure without a professional medical assessment. While rare, some cysts can be cancerous or may be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, any new or changing cyst should be evaluated by a doctor. Our specialists can assess skin cysts and arrange for a biopsy if there are any concerns about it being a cancerous cyst

At Harley Street Medics, our Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib, specialise in the diagnosis and removal of various skin-related cysts. These commonly include:

  • Epidermoid cysts (often mistakenly called sebaceous cysts)
  • Pilar cysts (wen) – typically on the scalp
  • Ganglion cysts (often on wrists or hands – Dr. Khalil can assess these)
  • Other benign skin cysts

Learn more about our Cyst Removal services.

While we aim to provide general information on various cysts, Harley Street Medics specialises in skin-related cysts.

  • A Bartholin cyst or vaginal cyst requires assessment by a gynaecologist.
  • An ovarian cyst is managed by a gynaecologist. Concerns about what size of ovarian cyst is dangerous or what ovarian cyst pain feels like should be directed to them.
  • A kidney cyst (renal cyst), concerns about what size of kidney cyst is dangerous, or what a cyst on the kidney indicates fall under the care of a urologist or nephrologist.
  • A liver cyst and questions like what size of liver cyst is dangerous are managed by a hepatologist or relevant surgeon.
  • Concerns like “can a cyst on the brain kill you?” require urgent consultation with a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
  • A Baker’s cyst (popliteal cyst) is usually assessed and managed by an orthopaedic specialist or physiotherapist, who can advise on what not to do when you have a Baker’s cyst or how long a Baker’s cyst lasts.

If you are unsure, you can book a consultation, and we can help guide you to the correct specialist if it’s outside our direct area of expertise.

Skin cyst treatment is typically a minor surgical procedure performed under local anaesthetic. This means the area around the cyst will be completely numb, so you should not feel pain during the procedure itself. Our specialists aim for complete removal of the cyst sac to minimise recurrence, often through surgical excision. You may feel a slight sting when the anaesthetic is administered.

We strongly advise against trying to manage any cyst yourself, including attempts to burst a Bartholin cyst at home, drain a ganglion cyst yourself, or pop a Bartholin cyst yourself. Doing so can lead to:

  • Infection: Introducing bacteria can cause a painful abscess.
  • Increased Inflammation & Pain.
  • Scarring: DIY methods often cause more significant scarring than professional removal.
  • Recurrence: If the entire cyst sac isn’t removed, it will likely grow back.
  • Misdiagnosis: The lump might not be a simple cyst and could require different treatment.

Some very small cysts might resolve on their own, but many persist or grow larger over time. There are no proven methods to dissolve a cyst naturally. While antibiotics can treat an infected cyst, they don’t remove the cyst structure itself. Waiting for a cyst to go away can sometimes lead to complications if it becomes inflamed or infected. Professional assessment is always recommended

The appearance varies, but common skin cysts (like epidermoid or pilar cysts) often present as:

  • A round or dome-shaped lump under the skin.
  • They can be yellowish or whitish, sometimes with a small dark plug (punctum).
  • They are usually smooth to the touch and can range from pea-sized to several centimetres.
  • They are typically slow-growing and painless unless inflamed or infected.

For an accurate diagnosis of what does a cyst look like in your specific case, a medical consultation is essential.

Any procedure that involves an incision in the skin will result in a scar. However, our skilled Dermatologist, Dr. Vincent Kabeya, and Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Khalil Al-Nakib, are highly experienced in using techniques designed to minimise scarring and achieve the best possible cosmetic outcome. The size and appearance of the scar will depend on the size and location of the cyst and your individual healing process. This will be discussed with you before your procedure.

If a cyst becomes infected, antibiotics can help reduce the inflammation, pain, and redness, usually within a few days to a week. However, antibiotics treat the infection, not the underlying cyst sac. Once the infection clears, the cyst itself may still be present and could become infected again in the future unless it’s professionally removed.

If you have a cyst that is new, changing, painful, bothering you cosmetically, or if you are simply unsure what it is, the best course of action is to book a consultation at Harley Street Medics in Glasgow. Our specialists can provide an accurate diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.

Find out more about the patient experience at Harley Street Medics.

Find Us in Glasgow

Address: 154 Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4EX
Phone: 0141 488 8985
Email: hello@harleystreetmedics.clinic

Your Next Step: Book Your Consultation in Glasgow

If you have a skin cyst that is bothering you, has changed in appearance, or you’re unsure what it is, don’t wait. Early assessment leads to the best outcomes.

Contact Harley Street Medics in Glasgow today to schedule your consultation for professional cyst assessment and removal.

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1-5 Portpool Lane, Chancery Lane London EC1N 7UU

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