A cyst is a closed sac-like pocket of tissue that develops abnormally under the skin or inside the body, typically filled with fluid, air, or semi-solid material. While many cysts are benign, they represent an abnormal growth that should be medically evaluated. Leaving any lump or growth untreated carries a spectrum of risks, ranging from localized discomfort to severe, life-threatening systemic complications. Understanding these potential consequences is the first step in managing a cyst responsibly.
Localized Progression and Functional Impairment
A cyst that is left alone often continues to grow, causing problems purely by taking up space. This continuous expansion of the cystic wall and its contents leads to a mass effect on surrounding tissues. The size increase can cause chronic discomfort or persistent pain as the cyst exerts internal pressure against sensitive nerve endings and underlying structures.
The location of the growth significantly influences functional impairment. A cyst near a joint, such as a ganglion cyst on the wrist or a Baker’s cyst behind the knee, can mechanically interfere with normal range of motion and movement. Similarly, an internal cyst, like one on the kidney or ovary, may grow large enough to compress adjacent organs, potentially impairing their function.
Acute Complications of Infection
One of the most common and painful consequences of an untreated cyst is the development of a bacterial infection. Cysts, especially those near the skin surface, can become infected when bacteria enter the enclosed sac, often through a minor break in the skin barrier from friction, trauma, or attempted self-treatment. The cyst’s contents, such as keratin or oily sebum, create an ideal, nutrient-rich environment for microbial growth.
This bacterial colonization triggers an acute inflammatory response, rapidly changing the cyst’s appearance and feel. Signs of acute inflammation include pronounced redness, warmth to the touch, and extreme tenderness or pain. As the body’s immune system responds, white blood cells accumulate to fight the infection, transforming the original cyst contents into pus. This process turns the cyst into a painful, pus-filled pocket known as an abscess. An abscessed cyst requires a more complex treatment, typically involving an incision and drainage procedure and a course of antibiotics, rather than a simple, planned surgical removal.
Severe Systemic Consequences and Malignant Transformation
Beyond a localized abscess, an untreated, infected cyst carries the risk of a spontaneous rupture, which can lead to severe complications. When an abscessed cyst bursts, the infected contents spill into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue, triggering an intense inflammatory reaction. This leakage can cause extensive tissue damage, severe scarring, and an increased risk of the infection spreading through the deeper layers of the skin, a condition known as cellulitis.
A life-threatening risk is the systemic spread of infection, or sepsis. If the bacteria from a deep or ruptured abscess enter the bloodstream, they can travel throughout the body, causing the immune system to overreact. Sepsis is a medical emergency characterized by organ dysfunction, and it requires immediate, aggressive treatment in a hospital setting. Furthermore, leaving any mass unexamined means missing the opportunity to promptly diagnose a cancerous or pre-cancerous growth. Malignant transformation, though rare, can occur in certain types of cysts, such as ovarian or epidermoid cysts, and delayed treatment means a delayed diagnosis of cancer.
Warning Signs Requiring Emergency Care
Certain changes in a cyst indicate that the condition has escalated and requires immediate medical attention. The development of a fever or chills suggests that the localized infection has potentially entered the bloodstream, indicating a systemic response. Sudden, excruciating pain in the area, especially if accompanied by a rapid increase in size, is a sign of acute infection or internal rupture.
Urgent red flags include:
- Skin changes such as darkening, blistering, or tissue necrosis over the cyst.
- The presence of red streaks radiating away from the cyst site (lymphangitis).
- Fever or chills.
- Sudden, excruciating pain.
Any of these symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to an emergency room for urgent evaluation and treatment.