Cysts are firm lumps under the skin, filled with a fluid or semi solid matter. It is usually flesh coloured and have a punctum in the centre. They are sometimes referred to a sebaceous cysts however the correct term is
Epidermoid or Pilar Cyst. Epidermoid Cysts typically appear on the trunk (chest, back & shoulders) face and genitals although they can occur anywhere on the body. Pilar Cysts typically occur on the scalp.
One main issue with cysts is recurrent infection which requires antibiotics or incision & drainage.
We only treat patients aged 18 and over
(All cysts are sent to histology after removal)
IMPORTANT – CRITERIA FOR CYST REMOVAL
What will happen?
Cyst Removal is performed through Surgical Excision. The procedure takes place under local anaesthetic and lasts approximately 40 minutes. An incision is made in the skin, the contents of the cyst and cyst sac is removed and sent to Histology. The wound is then closed with sutures, and a dressing is applied. (* Sutures will be removed after 7-10 days Additional appointment cost will apply of £65). A linear scar following the procedure is normal and usually fades away over time. You will be informed of Histology results when they are processed at the lab.
What will happen?
Incision & Drainage is performed through Surgical Excision. The procedure takes place under local anaesthetic and lasts approximately 20 minutes. An incision is made in the skin, the contents of the cyst is removed and the wound is packed to keep it open to drain and heal. A dressing is then applied. Regular dressings and wound reviews will be required to monitor the healing progress (* Additional cost of £65 per appointment)
Important things to know
Consent
Before giving consent, the you must understand the alternatives available (that may include not treating the cyst), what to expect at the operation and post-operatively, including possible complications.
This information will be included in your written consent form. It will also be discussed prior to the procedure to ensure you are fully happy to proceed and understand.
AREAS WE CANNOT TREAT
We DO NOT remove cysts in the:
- BREAST
- UNDERARMS
- NECK
- NECK
- FACE
- GENITALS
- ANUS
SCARRING
There is 100% chance of scarring!
After the initial procedure the scar will be red and inflamed but over time this will fade and become less noticeable.
If you have a history of Keloid Scars then please tell your clinician as this increases your risk of an unsightly scar
Histology
The Nurse Clinic sends all excised lesions to Histology for diagnosis. This helps aid diagnosis, protect patients but also adheres to the latest clinical guidelines.
What looks like a harmless cyst could be something totally different like a lipoma, abscess, or even skin cancer.
Early and accurate diagnosis is vital and misidentifying a growth can lead to a patient delaying treatment.
You will be informed of the histology results by encrypted email.
Sterile environment
All minor surgery is performed within a sterile environment. This is crucial during any surgical procedure, even minor surgery and adheres to CQC, NMC and all clinical safety guidelines.
Non-sterile conditions can introduce bacteria and increasing the risk of infection and delayed healing
The surgical equipment used at The Nurse Clinic is single use
is this normal?
The first couple of days your wound may be tender and may bleed slightly when doing wound care.
There may be swelling and bruising around the wound
The area around your wound may be numb for several weeks or even months.
You may experience periodic sharp pain as the wound heals.
The stitch line will look dark pink at first and the edges of the wound will be reddened. This will lighten day by day
POST OPERATIVE BLEEDING
Leave the dressing on and keep it dry. If it should come loose, you may retape it, but do not take it off.
No vigorous exercise or heavy lifting or alcohol. This could cause the wound to bleed.
Post-operative pain is usually mild. You may take paracetamol (if not allergic or any interactions). This can be started as soon as you get home. Do not take aspirin or any drugs such as Nurofen.
You may see a small amount of drainage or blood on your pressure bandage. This is normal. However, if the drainage or bleeding continues and saturates the bandage, please do as follows:
Apply firm pressure with a gauze swab over the bandage for 15 minutes.
If bleeding still continues, apply an ice pack for 15 minutes to the bandaged area. Placing a bag of frozen peas into a dry plastic bag can make a simple ice pack. This avoids wetting the bandage.
If bleeding still continues, call our department during office hours or go to A&E.
infection / Nerve damage
Infection can occur after the procedure. This may present as heat, redness, weeping or pus from the wound.
Nerve damage is rare.
If you experience a fever or any of these symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately for assessment and possible treatment.
aftercare
Cyst removal involves removal of sutures after 7-10 days. This will incur an additional £65 appointment charge.
Incision and Drainage of Cysts does not require suture removal, however, will require regular dressings. This will incur a charge of £65 per appointment.
Links to research used to support practice at The Nurse Clinic
Frequently asked questions
The definition of a cyst is a closed sac that has two main features:
- A lining
- Contents that are liquid or semi-solid
The most common are EPIDERMOID and PILAR CYSTS.
EPIDERMOID CYSTS
- Epidermoid cysts occur on face, neck, trunk or anywhere where there is little hair.
- Most epidermoid cysts arise in adult life.
- They are more than twice as common in men as in women.
- They present as one or more flesh–coloured to yellowish, adherent, firm, round nodules of variable size.
- A central pore or punctum may be present.
- Keratinous contents are soft, cheese-like and malodorous.
PILAR CYSTS
- Pilar cyst linings are made up of cells like those found in the roots of hairs.
There are also numerous other types of cysts that are not treated at The Nurse Clinic.
No.
The Nurse Clinic CANNOT remove Cysts from the following areas:
- BREAST
- GENITALS
- ANAL AREA
- FACE
- MOUTH
- HANDS
- FEET
The Nurse Clinic can remove Cysts under 5 cms
Yes, in line with clinical guidelines, once the sample is removed it is sent to histology for diagnosis to exclude any sinister features and confirm diagnosis
Every effort is made to aim for complete removal of the cyst wall (sac) during our cyst removal procedures, however there is a small chance that if a small amount of sac is left that it could reoccur. It is uncommon.
If Incision and Drainage Prodedure to a cyst has been performed due to infection then the cyst wall (sac) does not get removed and therefore recurrence is more likely.
Cysts can also reoccur due to medical conditions.
Cyst Removal at The Nurse Clinic is performed under local anaesthetic. Once injected, the area feels numb and only sensation can be felt but no pain. The area can feel numb for up to 90 minutes. The lesion is removed and stitches are used to close the wound. A dressing is then applied.
You will require an appointment for the stitches to be removed. This will happen 7-10 days after the procedure.
The cost of this review is £65 and includes:
- Removal of stitches
- Review of Post Op Wound
- Dressing if required.
Alternatively, this can be arranged at your GP surgery if they are williing to accommodate this and have appointment availability.
The Nurse Clinic Skin Services
Click on any of the links below to find out more. Whether it is to cure or reassure we will be here for you.