Dermal Cyst Excision

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

A dermal cyst excision is surgery to remove a dermal cyst. This is a painless bump that grows under your skin. The bump contains a sac filled with white or yellow fluid. A dermal cyst is usually caused by an injury, a pimple, or an infection. This kind of cyst grows slowly and is often found on your chest, back, neck or abdomen.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider as directed:

You may need to return to have your stitches removed. Your primary healthcare provider will check to see if your cyst has begun to grow back. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Contact your primary healthcare provider if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have severe pain, even after you take medicine.
  
  
• You have a new cyst.
  
  
• You have bruises that do not go away.
  
  
• The skin around your wound is numb.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• Your stitches come apart.
  
  
• Blood soaks through your bandage.