Dermal Cyst Excision

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it? A dermal cyst excision (ek-sih-shun) is also called dermal cyst removal. Dermal means skin. A cyst is a sac filled with liquid or a jelly-like material. Dermal cyst removal is when a cyst is taken off of or out of your skin. Most cysts are usually on the skin of the face, scalp, neck, chest, or abdomen (belly). Cysts may stay small for years or slowly grow larger.

Causes: The cyst may have been caused by an infection or an injury. A blackhead (sack of oil and skin cells) that breaks open can also cause a cyst. These cysts are usually benign (buh-nine). This means they are not a form of cancer. Some people get cysts more easily and more often than other people.

Care: Most cysts are harmless, and do not need treatment unless they become infected or painful. If it is infected, it can be opened and drained instead of being removed. You may then need to take antibiotic medicine if the cyst is infected. If the cyst is causing you pain it can be removed. It can also be removed if you do not like the way it looks. You may have stitches or staples in your skin after the cyst is taken out. Acetaminophen (uh-c-tuh-min-o-fin) or Ibuprofen (i-bew-pro-fin) should help lessen the pain and swelling after the cyst is removed.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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