A cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that can contain fluid, air, or other substances, forming almost anywhere in the body, including under the skin or within internal organs. While many cysts are benign (non-cancerous), their presence can lead to concerns depending on type, location, and size. Some cysts require medical intervention or removal, but many do not, making it important to understand the implications of leaving them alone.
Why Cysts May Be Left Alone
Medical professionals often recommend a “watch and wait” approach for certain cysts. This decision is typically made when a cyst is small and causes no symptoms like pain or discomfort. If a benign cyst does not interfere with normal bodily functions, removal is often unnecessary. Furthermore, a cyst’s location where removal could cause issues, such as scarring or functional problems, may lead to leaving it undisturbed.
Typical Issues When Cysts Are Not Removed
Leaving a cyst untreated can lead to several common issues, though these are generally not life-threatening. One frequent occurrence is the cyst slowly increasing in size over time. As it grows, a cyst can become more noticeable or exert pressure on surrounding tissues or nerves, potentially causing mild pain, tenderness, or a feeling of fullness. For cysts on visible areas, continued growth can lead to cosmetic concerns, becoming unsightly and affecting self-consciousness. Cysts can also experience inflammation or irritation, especially if subjected to friction or minor trauma, causing the area to become red or tender.
Potentially Serious Health Risks
While many cysts remain harmless, leaving certain types untreated can lead to more serious complications. One significant risk is infection, where the cyst becomes inflamed, warm, and painful, often filling with pus to form an abscess, typically requiring drainage and antibiotic treatment. Another concern is rupture, which can happen spontaneously or due to injury, leading to sudden pain and inflammation as contents spread into surrounding tissues. In rare instances, a large cyst near an organ, such as a kidney or ovary, might impair its function; for example, a large ovarian cyst could cause the ovary to twist, cutting off its blood supply, a medical emergency. While most cysts are benign, there is a rare possibility that a cyst could harbor or develop cancerous cells, a concern for certain types or in specific populations like postmenopausal individuals.
Signs a Cyst Needs Medical Attention
It is important to recognize when a cyst requires medical evaluation, even if initially deemed harmless. Rapid growth or a sudden change in size, color, or shape warrants medical evaluation. Increased pain, tenderness, or a throbbing sensation within or around the cyst, or signs of infection like redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or foul-smelling discharge, warrant immediate evaluation. Systemic symptoms like fever or chills accompanying discomfort can indicate a spreading infection. Any difficulty with bodily functions due to a cyst’s location (e.g., impaired vision or movement), or changes in its appearance like irregular borders, also warrant medical consultation.