The need for treatment depends on the type of cyst, where it occurs, and the symptoms. When symptoms are nonexistent, treatment is usually not necessary.

Skin cyst

When a cyst is very large or swollen, drainage is sometimes recommended. Under local anesthesia, a doctor inserts a needle or makes a small incision to empty the contents of the cyst. The doctor may also make an incision to remove the wall of the cyst, which helps prevent its recurrence. When the cyst becomes infected (an abscess), it is best to drain it.

Pilonidal cyst

A doctor may make a small incision to drain the cyst after the affected area is anesthetized.

When the cyst appears recurrently or presents complications (persistence of an infection, appearance of fistulas, etc.), it is sometimes necessary to completely remove the cyst. This intervention requires more time and certain precautions in order to allow the wound to heal well.

Wrist cyst

Painful cysts can be relieved with ice applied directly to the wrists. Medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) can also relieve pain. When pain or weakness is felt to the touch, a doctor may use a puncture to remove fluid from the cyst, which may however reappear. In some cases, surgery is needed to remove the cyst.

Knee cyst

Often, the popliteal cyst heals itself on its own without any treatment. Because the popliteal cyst is often associated with arthritis of the knee or a tear in the cartilage, treatments usually relate to arthritis or another underlying cause. If the cyst is very large, a doctor may use a puncture to remove fluid from the cyst (this puncture is usually done with an ultrasound) or inject cortisone into the knee to reduce inflammation. Surgical treatment to remove the cyst is usually avoided because the risk of recurrence is too great.

Bartholin’s gland cyst

In case of pain, warm compresses can be applied to the cyst. Painkillers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) may be prescribed.

If there is a rash, fever, or pus leaking from the cyst, a doctor may make an incision in the cyst to allow the pus to drain and may prescribe antibiotics.

Ovarian cyst

Treatment for ovarian cysts depends on the age, type and size of the cyst and the symptoms you experience:

• Most ovarian cysts do not require intervention. Regular review allows for follow-up. Most cysts go away on their own after a few months. Ruptured cyst can cause fairly severe pelvic pain which can be relieved with pain medication (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), but may sometimes require stronger pain relievers (opioids like morphine) for a few days.
• Sometimes a doctor may recommend the use of birth control pills (birth control pills) to reduce the risk of developing new cysts in subsequent menstrual cycles. This method has the advantage of also reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.
• In case of a larger cyst, which increases in size, persists for 2 or 3 menstrual cycles or is painful, surgery may be recommended:

• The cyst can be removed without removing the ovary (removal of an ovarian cyst) or by removing the affected ovary (oophorectomy).
• If a cystic mass is cancerous, the doctor may recommend removing both ovaries and the uterus (hysterectomy).

Naboth’s cyst

Naboth’s cysts usually don’t require treatment.

Breast cyst

• Usually no treatment is needed for a breast cyst that does not carry a risk of breast cancer. When the woman has not reached menopause, the doctor may recommend regular monitoring to see if the cyst is resolving on its own.
• Both as a diagnostic measure or as a treatment, the doctor can aspirate the fluid from the cyst using a fine needle. This simple and painless operation will quickly make the cyst and symptoms disappear.
• If a lump grows and persists for 2 or 3 menstrual cycles, it is best to do more extensive examinations such as a cyst biopsy, mammogram or ultrasound of the breast to make sure there is no cancer. Sometimes surgery is recommended to remove the cyst. 
• Using birth control pills can help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce the recurrence of breast cysts.

See the complete Breast Cyst sheet for detailed information.

Sperm cyst

Although sperm cysts rarely go away on their own, most don’t need treatment and they don’t cause pain or complications. In the event of pain, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are recommended.

If the cyst grows to a size that causes pain or discomfort, surgery is sometimes recommended to remove the cyst on the epididymis or to remove fluid from the cyst. There are certain risks with this surgery: Damage to the epididymis or the vas deferens (the extension of the epididymis behind the testis) can cause fertility problems. Also, surgery is usually performed on men who are past the age of fertility. A cyst can also come back after surgery.

Kidney cyst

Kidney cysts that don’t cause symptoms usually don’t need treatment. The doctor may recommend periodic monitoring of the kidneys to check for any changes in the cyst.

When a kidney cyst causes symptoms, a doctor may:

• Drain the cyst using a needle inserted into the skin.

A sample of the fluid can be removed and analyzed in the laboratory. This procedure is performed using ultrasound ultrasound. In polycystic kidney disease, regular monitoring is necessary to check that the kidneys are functioning properly. People who develop kidney failure from hereditary cysts should be treated with dialysis or have a kidney transplant.

• Remove the cyst using laparoscopic surgery (through a small incision in the skin and camera tracking).