Can a cyst disappear on its own? What you need to know

September 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A surprising number of people will experience a cyst at some point in their lives. This naturally leads to the common question: Can a cyst disappear on its own? The definitive answer is that it depends entirely on the type, cause, and location of the cyst.

Quick Summary

Some cysts, particularly smaller and specific types like certain functional ovarian cysts, can indeed resolve naturally without intervention. However, many others, such as those that are infected, inflamed, or large, will not disappear and often require a professional medical evaluation for proper treatment.

Key Points

Spontaneous Resolution Varies: Whether a cyst disappears on its own depends on its type, size, and whether it is infected.
Functional Cysts Often Resolve: Cysts like functional ovarian cysts typically disappear naturally as part of a normal bodily process.
Persistent Sacs Remain: Cysts like epidermoid and sebaceous types have a sac-like lining that often remains, causing the cyst to recur even after drainage.
Infection Prevents Disappearance: An infected or inflamed cyst is highly unlikely to resolve without medical intervention and may develop into a painful abscess.
Professional Diagnosis is Critical: It is always best to consult a healthcare provider for any new or concerning lump to receive an accurate diagnosis and prevent complications.

Understanding the different types of cysts

While all cysts are sac-like pockets of tissue that can contain fluid, pus, air, or other materials, they are not all the same. Their underlying cause and composition determine whether they are likely to resolve on their own. For example, a functional ovarian cyst, which develops as part of the menstrual cycle, is very different from a deep-seated epidermoid cyst under the skin. Understanding the distinctions is the first step to knowing what to expect.

Can a cyst disappear on its own? Key factors for resolution

Several factors influence a cyst's ability to disappear naturally. These include the type of cyst, its size, and whether it has become inflamed or infected. It is crucial to monitor a cyst and its symptoms to make an informed decision.

Type of cyst

Certain cysts are more prone to spontaneous resolution. Functional ovarian cysts, for instance, form from a follicle or corpus luteum during the menstrual cycle and almost always resolve on their own within a few cycles. Similarly, small ganglion cysts found near joints may come and go with periods of rest. On the other hand, a dermoid cyst, which contains hair, skin, or other tissues, will not disappear and requires surgical removal.

Size and location

Generally, smaller cysts are more likely to resolve naturally than larger ones. A tiny, painless epidermoid cyst may shrink and disappear, but a larger one may persist and is more likely to rupture or become infected. Cysts in areas of the body that experience less friction, like the torso, might also have a better chance of going away compared to those on a joint or a weight-bearing area like the feet.

Inflammation and infection

An uninfected, non-inflamed cyst has the best chance of disappearing. However, once a cyst becomes inflamed or infected, its likelihood of resolving on its own plummets. In fact, infection can cause a cyst to become an abscess, requiring medical intervention like drainage and antibiotics. Ruptured cysts can also become infected and are considered a medical emergency.

A comparison of common cysts and their likelihood of disappearing

To help clarify, here is a table comparing several common cyst types and their potential for spontaneous resolution.


Cyst Type	Common Location	Likelihood of Disappearing on its Own	Why?
Epidermoid	Face, neck, torso, scalp	Low (often returns after rupture)	Forms a sac-like lining that persists even if contents are drained.
Sebaceous	Scalp, face, neck, back	Low (sac-like lining often remains)	Develops from blocked oil glands; the sac will continue to refill if not removed.
Functional Ovarian	Ovaries	High (typically resolves in 1-3 cycles)	Part of the normal menstrual cycle, these cysts are hormonal and temporary.
Ganglion	Hands, wrists, feet	Moderate (can fluctuate or recur)	Filled with jelly-like fluid, they can drain on their own but may reappear.
Pilar	Scalp	Very Low	A keratin-filled sac that usually does not go away without excision.

When is medical intervention necessary?

While some cysts can be monitored at home, there are clear signs that indicate it is time to see a healthcare professional. You should seek medical attention if the cyst:

Grows rapidly in size or becomes increasingly painful.
Shows signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling, or pus leakage.
Ruptures, as this can lead to a more serious infection or abscess.
Occurs in an area that causes discomfort or interferes with movement.
Is a concern for any reason, particularly if you are unsure of the type of lump it is.

The risks of ignoring a persistent cyst

Choosing to ignore a cyst that is not resolving can lead to complications beyond simple discomfort. In the case of an infected cyst, the localized infection can spread and become more severe. An abscessed cyst requires more aggressive treatment than a simple, non-inflamed one. Furthermore, a ruptured cyst can cause severe pain and lead to a subcutaneous infection. In rare cases, a bump that was assumed to be a harmless cyst could be a sign of a more serious condition, making a proper diagnosis from a doctor vital. For additional information on surgical removal, consult reputable health resources like the Cleveland Clinic.

Medical treatment options for cysts

If a cyst doesn't disappear on its own and becomes a problem, your doctor may recommend one of several treatment options. For infected or inflamed cysts, a doctor may drain the pus and prescribe antibiotics. For recurring or problematic cysts, surgical excision is often performed. This involves removing the entire cyst and its sac to prevent it from returning. Steroid injections can also be used to reduce inflammation in some cysts, causing them to shrink without needing drainage or removal.

Conclusion: The take-home message

In summary, while some cysts do have the potential to disappear on their own, assuming all of them will resolve is a risky approach. The best course of action is to have any new or growing lump evaluated by a healthcare provider, especially if it causes pain, shows signs of infection, or grows larger. An accurate diagnosis will provide peace of mind and ensure you receive the proper care if treatment is necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Smaller sebaceous cysts might shrink or go away, but many persist because the cyst sac often remains, allowing it to refill with fluid over time. Complete removal of the sac is typically required to prevent recurrence.

If a cyst is increasing in size, becoming painful, exhibiting redness, warmth, or has pus drainage, it is highly unlikely to disappear and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

A warm compress can help reduce inflammation and promote drainage for some surface-level cysts, but it will not eliminate the underlying cyst sac. It can provide temporary relief but isn't a cure.

For small, painless cysts, monitoring is often recommended. However, it is never safe to ignore a new, growing, or bothersome lump. A doctor should evaluate it to rule out a more serious condition.

Yes, ganglion cysts are known to fluctuate in size and can sometimes resolve spontaneously, particularly with rest. However, they may also reappear unpredictably.

An untreated cyst could rupture, become infected, or form an abscess, which can be quite painful and lead to a more complicated medical situation requiring drainage and potentially antibiotics.

Some cysts, like ganglion cysts, have a higher chance of recurrence even if they disappear naturally. Other types, especially those with a persistent sac, are very likely to return without complete surgical removal.