Cysts can be dangerous, or they can be harmless. Fortunately, most of the time, cysts are benign (i.e., non–cancerous).
Some cysts, however, are cancerous or precancerous, and they must be removed. If you have a cyst on your skin, it is best to get it checked out by a doctor to ensure it is benign. It is important to keep in mind that cysts can lead to other health complications when left untreated.
Most of the time, dermatologists help remove cysts on the skin. But the bigger question is, are dermatologists the right doctors and professionals to remove a cyst?
Let’s talk about this in today’s article and what other doctors and medical professionals can remove your cysts.
Can A Dermatologist Remove A Cyst?
Yes, dermatologists can remove a cyst on your skin. They are trained and licensed professionals who specialize in treating skin diseases and conditions. This makes them well-qualified to do the job.
A cyst is a skin condition which is why most of the time, dermatologists are the right professionals to seek when you need one to be removed.
Dermatologists are doctors and medical professionals who specialize in treating medical conditions affecting the skin, hair, and mucus membrane. However, aside from dermatologists, there are other medical professionals who can also treat cysts.
Most primary care doctors and surgeons can also treat and remove cysts found on the skin. But first, let us explain what exactly a cyst is.
What Is A Cyst?
For those who do not know, a cyst is a sac or a lump that forms in or on the body. A cyst can form in bones, organs, or tissues.
It can be filled with pus, air, fluid, bacteria, cells, and even skin cells. There are different types of cysts, such as:
- Sebaceous cysts
- Epidermoid cysts
- Cystic acne
- Ingrown hair cysts
- Breast cysts
Dermatologists commonly treat sebaceous and pilar cysts. Here are some of the ways a dermatologist can remove your cysts.
Two Common Types Of Cyst Removal
There are two common ways a dermatologist can remove your cyst. The first is by lancing the cyst itself.
By lancing a cyst, a dermatologist uses a sharp knife to create a hole in the cyst. Afterward, the dermatologist will squeeze and drain the cyst’s contents.
Once it is ruptured, most of its contents can be removed. It is also best to remove the cyst wall to prevent it from growing again.
Another method to remove a cyst is through an excision. The dermatologist will make an elliptical incision around the cyst in this procedure.
Then the dermatologist will take out the entire cyst wall and its contents. Although removing a cyst at home is possible, it is not the most recommended way to do it.
Removing a cyst without the help of a dermatologist or other professionals can cause complications such as an infection. So the videos you see on YouTube, even if a dermatologist uploads them, are not the method that we recommend!
It is because it is still different and safer to seek professional help. So if you have a cyst, it is best to seek out a dermatologist or other qualified medical professional to help.
