Can Cysts Shrink by Themselves? An Expert Guide

September 28, 2025 •

5 min read

While many bumps are harmless and may eventually disappear, the ability of a cyst to shrink by themselves varies significantly depending on its type and location. Understanding the difference is crucial for informed health decisions and knowing when professional medical attention is warranted.

Quick Summary

Whether a cyst shrinks spontaneously is highly dependent on its specific type, location, and underlying cause. Some common, benign fluid-filled cysts often resolve without intervention, while others, particularly those that are infected or inflamed, will likely persist or even grow, requiring medical assessment.

Key Points

Spontaneous Shrinking Varies: Some cysts, like certain ovarian and skin cysts, can resolve naturally, but many others persist and require medical intervention.
Type Matters: The likelihood of a cyst shrinking depends on its type; functional ovarian and ganglion cysts are more likely to disappear, while others like epidermoid cysts may recur.
Infection is a Red Flag: If a cyst becomes infected, inflamed, or rapidly grows, it is highly unlikely to resolve on its own and requires a medical evaluation.
Monitor for Symptoms: While observation is an option for non-bothersome cysts, seek medical attention if it causes pain, grows, or ruptures to avoid complications.
Do Not Self-Treat: Attempting to drain or squeeze a cyst at home is dangerous and increases the risk of infection and scarring. Always consult a healthcare provider for removal.
Consider Recurrence: Many cysts, even if they drain naturally, can come back if the cyst wall is not surgically removed.

What is a cyst?

A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can form anywhere in the body. It can be filled with fluid, pus, air, or other materials. The vast majority of cysts are benign (non-cancerous), but they can cause pain, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns depending on their size and location. It is important to distinguish a cyst from other lumps and bumps, such as tumors or abscesses, which may require different treatment approaches.

Types of cysts that often resolve on their own

Many common cysts, especially smaller ones, can indeed shrink and disappear naturally over time. The likelihood of this happening depends heavily on the cyst's specific characteristics. Here are some types known for spontaneous resolution:

Functional Ovarian Cysts: These are the most common type of ovarian cyst, typically forming during the menstrual cycle. Follicular cysts (when a follicle doesn't release an egg) and corpus luteum cysts (when the follicle seals itself after releasing the egg) often go away on their own within a few menstrual cycles.
Ganglion Cysts: These benign, jelly-filled lumps usually appear near joints or tendons in the hands, wrists, ankles, or feet. Many ganglion cysts will disappear on their own without intervention.
Epidermoid Cysts: While they may persist, these common skin-colored or yellowish bumps, filled with a protein called keratin, can sometimes go away without any treatment. However, they have a tendency to recur if the cyst sac isn't completely removed.
Sebaceous Cysts: These are slightly less common than epidermoid cysts but are often treated similarly. Caused by a blocked sebaceous gland, they can sometimes resolve on their own, though recurrence is possible.
Mucous Cysts: These fluid-filled sacs form on the lip or around the mouth, often due to a blocked salivary gland. They frequently resolve by themselves, but recurrence may require medical treatment.

When a cyst is less likely to shrink naturally

Not all cysts are destined to shrink on their own. Some may remain for years, and others may continue to grow, causing increasing problems. Medical attention is often required in the following scenarios:

Infected Cysts: A cyst that becomes infected may swell, become tender, or fill with pus. Infection usually prevents a cyst from healing on its own and requires medical intervention, which may include drainage and antibiotics.
Larger or Deep Cysts: Cysts that are larger or located deeper under the skin are often more resistant to natural resolution and may require a surgical procedure for complete removal.
Inflamed Cysts: An inflamed cyst that is red, painful, and swollen is unlikely to recede without treatment. Injections of corticosteroids may be used to reduce the inflammation.
Recurrent Cysts: If a cyst keeps coming back after draining, it is because the cyst wall remains intact. Removing the entire cyst wall, a procedure known as excision, is often necessary to prevent recurrence.

Factors that influence cyst regression

Several factors play a role in whether a cyst will shrink or persist:

Cyst Type: As mentioned, the type of cyst is the most significant factor. Functional ovarian cysts and some skin cysts have a higher chance of spontaneous resolution than others like endometriomas or dermoid cysts.
Size and Location: Smaller cysts are more likely to shrink or disappear. Larger cysts or those located in areas with constant friction (e.g., the scalp or back) are less likely to resolve naturally and may cause discomfort.
Presence of Infection: Infection is a major deterrent to natural healing. An infected cyst will not resolve on its own and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Inflammation: Mild, non-bacterial inflammation may respond to conservative treatment like warm compresses, but significant inflammation is a sign that the body is reacting strongly to the cyst, and professional help may be needed.

The risks of waiting it out

For a cyst that is not bothering you, it may be fine to monitor it. However, in some cases, waiting too long can lead to complications:

Rupture: A ruptured cyst can be painful and lead to infection, causing more complex medical issues. If the cyst ruptures under the skin, it can spread its contents and lead to further problems.
Recurrence: If a cyst drains on its own but the wall remains, it is highly likely to return and refill.
Diagnostic Concerns: In rare cases, what appears to be a benign cyst could be something more serious. A medical professional can accurately diagnose the bump and rule out malignancy.

Comparison of self-resolving vs. persistent cysts


Feature	Self-Resolving Cysts (e.g., Functional Ovarian)	Persistent Cysts (e.g., Epidermoid, Infected)
Appearance	Often small and not causing symptoms.	May be larger, inflamed, red, or tender.
Underlying Cause	Hormonal fluctuations or minor duct blockages.	Deeper skin cell buildup, infection, or chronic irritation.
Healing Mechanism	Body naturally reabsorbs the contents over time.	Cyst wall remains, preventing complete resolution.
Recurrence	Uncommon if it fully resolves, but possible with hormonal changes.	Very common if the cyst wall is not removed.
Treatment	Observation is often sufficient.	Medical intervention (drainage, steroid injection, excision) often required.

When to see a doctor

It is always wise to have any new or concerning lump evaluated by a healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist. You should especially seek medical advice if a cyst:

Grows rapidly in size.
Is painful or tender to the touch.
Becomes red, inflamed, or shows signs of infection.
Ruptures, especially if it drains with a foul odor or pus.
Interferes with your movement or quality of life.
Is causing you cosmetic concern or emotional distress.

Your doctor can determine the type of cyst, whether it requires treatment, or if simply observing it is the best course of action. For more information on cyst removal, a trusted source is the Cleveland Clinic.

Conclusion

While the prospect of a cyst shrinking on its own is a comforting thought, it's not a universal guarantee. Many common, benign cysts, like functional ovarian cysts, can resolve naturally. However, others—especially if infected, large, or recurrent—will likely require medical treatment to prevent complications and ensure complete resolution. Listening to your body and consulting a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is always the safest and most effective approach. Self-treatment by popping or draining a cyst is strongly discouraged due to the high risk of infection and scarring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Certain types of cysts are known for resolving naturally. These include common functional ovarian cysts, ganglion cysts, and sometimes epidermoid or sebaceous skin cysts. However, it is not guaranteed and depends on individual circumstances.

Factors that make a cyst unlikely to shrink naturally include infection, inflammation, larger size, or deep location. Cysts that have ruptured but leave the cyst wall intact are also likely to recur.

For small, non-painful, and uninfected cysts, a 'watch and wait' approach may be an option under a doctor's guidance. However, you should see a doctor if the cyst grows, becomes painful, or shows signs of infection.

A ruptured cyst can cause pain and lead to infection. If a cyst bursts, especially if it is infected, it is best to seek medical attention to prevent further complications. Never try to rupture a cyst yourself.

Yes, especially with epidermoid and sebaceous cysts. If a cyst drains or shrinks but the underlying cyst wall is not completely removed, it can return and fill up again over time.

Medical treatments include corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, incision and drainage to remove the contents, or surgical excision to remove the entire cyst and prevent recurrence. The best option depends on the cyst's characteristics.

Consult a dermatologist if you have a cyst that is painful, growing rapidly, becomes red or inflamed, or if it ruptures. A specialist can provide a proper diagnosis and discuss your treatment options.