Cysts and lumps can develop beneath the skin in different parts of the body and may vary considerably in their cause and behaviour. Common examples include lipomas, epidermoid or sebaceous-type cysts, infected cysts and other superficial soft-tissue swellings.
Many of these lumps are benign, but a new, enlarging, painful, hard or recurrent lump should be properly evaluated before treatment. Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides assessment and surgical removal of selected cysts and lumps in Delhi, with treatment planned according to the size, location, symptoms and clinical diagnosis.
What Are Cysts and Lumps?
A cyst is usually a closed sac beneath the skin that may contain fluid, keratin or other material. Some cysts remain small and painless, while others may become enlarged, inflamed or infected.
A lump is a broader term that can refer to many different types of swellings, including fatty lumps such as lipomas, cysts, enlarged lymph nodes and other soft-tissue lesions.
Because different conditions can appear similar, diagnosis should be established before surgical removal.
Common Cysts and Lumps We Treat
Lipoma
A lipoma is a soft, usually slow-growing fatty lump that develops under the skin. Many lipomas do not require treatment, but removal may be considered if the lump becomes painful, increases in size, causes discomfort or creates cosmetic concern.
Epidermoid / Sebaceous-Type Cyst
An epidermoid cyst is a benign skin cyst that commonly appears as a rounded lump beneath the skin. It may remain painless for a long period but can sometimes become inflamed, infected or recurrent.
When removal is required, complete excision of the cyst and its wall may help reduce the chance of recurrence.
Infected Cyst
A cyst can sometimes become painful, red, swollen and infected. Depending on the severity of infection, treatment may involve drainage, medicines or delayed definitive excision after the acute inflammation has settled.
Other Superficial Lumps
Other soft-tissue lumps may also require evaluation and, in selected cases, surgical excision. The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis, location, size and behaviour of the lump.
When Should a Lump Be Evaluated?
Medical evaluation is advisable if a lump:
- Is increasing in size
- Becomes painful or tender
- Is hard or fixed
- Repeatedly becomes infected
- Develops redness or discharge
- Recurs after previous treatment
- Causes pressure or movement-related discomfort
- Has an uncertain diagnosis
A rapidly growing or unusual lump should not be assumed to be a simple cyst or lipoma without proper assessment.
How Are Cysts and Lumps Diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually begins with clinical examination. The surgeon assesses the lump’s size, consistency, mobility, depth, location and associated symptoms.
Depending on the findings, additional investigation may include:
- Ultrasound
- Blood tests in selected cases
- Needle or core biopsy where indicated
- MRI or other imaging for deeper or unusual lumps
- Histopathology after surgical removal
Not every lump requires every test.
Cyst & Lump Removal Surgery
Many small and superficial cysts or lumps can be removed through a minor surgical procedure.
The area is cleaned and anaesthetised, and a small incision is made to remove the lesion. The wound is then closed or dressed according to the size and location of the procedure.
Selected uncomplicated procedures may be performed under local anaesthesia as day-care surgery, allowing the patient to return home the same day.
Is Histopathology Required?
When clinically appropriate, tissue removed during surgery may be sent for histopathological examination.
Histopathology helps confirm the exact diagnosis under a microscope and is particularly important when the nature of the lump is uncertain or when there are unusual clinical features.
Recovery After Cyst or Lump Removal
Recovery depends on the size, depth and location of the lesion.
Patients usually receive instructions about:
- Wound care
- Dressing changes
- Pain-relief medicines
- Antibiotics when required
- Bathing and hygiene
- Activity restrictions
- Suture removal where needed
- Follow-up
Minor swelling or discomfort can occur during early recovery.
Possible Risks
Possible risks of cyst or lump removal may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Pain or swelling
- Scar formation
- Fluid collection
- Delayed wound healing
- Recurrence
- Altered sensation around the incision
The likelihood of these risks varies according to the type and location of the lesion.
Why Consult Dr. Sushant Wadhera?
Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides surgical evaluation and removal of selected cysts, lipomas and superficial lumps in Delhi.
The focus is on establishing the diagnosis first and recommending removal only when clinically appropriate.
Dr. Sushant Wadhera
MBBS, MS (General Surgery), FNB (Minimal Access Surgery)
General, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between a cyst and a lump?
A cyst is usually a closed sac beneath the skin that may contain fluid, keratin or other material. A lump is a broader term that can include cysts, lipomas, enlarged lymph nodes and other soft-tissue swellings.
2. Are all cysts and lumps dangerous?
No. Many cysts and soft-tissue lumps are benign. However, a new, enlarging, painful, hard, fixed or unusual lump should be properly evaluated before treatment.
3. What is a lipoma?
A lipoma is a soft, usually slow-growing lump made of fatty tissue beneath the skin. Many lipomas do not require treatment, but removal may be considered if the lump becomes painful, enlarges or causes discomfort or cosmetic concern.
4. What is a sebaceous or epidermoid cyst?
An epidermoid cyst, often commonly called a sebaceous cyst, is a benign lump that develops beneath the skin and contains keratin-like material. It may remain painless or become inflamed, infected or recurrent.
5. Do all cysts need surgery?
No. Small, painless and stable cysts may sometimes be observed. Surgical removal may be considered when a cyst is painful, recurrent, infected, increasing in size or causing discomfort.
6. Can a cyst come back after removal?
Yes, recurrence is possible, particularly if part of the cyst wall remains or if the area has repeated inflammation. Complete excision of the cyst wall may help reduce the chance of recurrence.
7. Can a lipoma come back after surgery?
A completely removed lipoma usually does not regrow in the same location, although some people may develop new lipomas elsewhere.
8. Is cyst or lump removal painful?
Many small superficial cysts and lumps can be removed under local anaesthesia. Some discomfort may occur after the procedure, but it can usually be managed with prescribed pain-relief medicines.
9. Can cyst and lump removal be done as day-care surgery?
Yes. Many small and uncomplicated cyst or lipoma removals can be performed as day-care procedures, allowing the patient to return home the same day. Suitability depends on the size, depth and location of the lump.
10. How is a lump diagnosed before surgery?
Diagnosis usually begins with clinical examination. Depending on the findings, ultrasound, biopsy, blood tests or other imaging may be advised.
11. Is histopathology required after lump removal?
When clinically appropriate, removed tissue may be sent for histopathological examination. This helps confirm the exact diagnosis under a microscope.
12. What happens if a cyst becomes infected?
An infected cyst may become painful, red, swollen or start discharging pus. Treatment may include drainage, antibiotics in selected cases and definitive excision after the acute infection has settled.
13. How long does recovery take after cyst or lipoma removal?
Recovery depends on the size and location of the lesion. Many patients can resume light routine activities relatively soon, while larger or deeper excisions may require more recovery time.
14. When should a lump be checked urgently?
A lump should be evaluated promptly if it is rapidly increasing in size, hard, fixed, very painful, associated with skin changes, recurrent infection or an uncertain diagnosis.
15. Who should I consult for cyst and lump removal in Delhi?
Patients with lipomas, recurrent cysts or other superficial lumps can consult a surgeon for evaluation. Dr. Sushant Wadhera provides assessment and surgical removal of selected cysts and lumps in Delhi.