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When Is Surgery Necessary for Cyst Removal?
Cysts that are very large and result in symptoms due to their size may be surgically removed. Sometimes the fluid contained within a cyst can be drained, or aspirated, by inserting a needle or catheter into the cyst cavity, resulting in collapse of the cyst. Imaging such as ultrasound or CT scanning may be used for guidance in draining (aspirating) cyst contents.
If there is any suspicion that a cyst is cancerous, the cyst may be removed by surgery, or a biopsy is taken of the cyst wall (capsule) to rule out malignancy. Depending upon the size and location of the cyst, this may be performed in a doctor's office, outpatient surgery center, or hospital operating room. Laparoscopic surgery may be possible in many situations.
In certain cases, aspirated fluid from a cyst is examined under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.
Medically Reviewed by a Doctor on 8/3/2017
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