How do you know if a cyst is getting worse?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, most simple cysts are harmless and may not cause symptoms. However, some can become problematic, requiring closer attention. This guide will help you understand how do you know if a cyst is getting worse and when to seek medical advice.

Quick Summary

Monitor a cyst for key signs of inflammation, infection, or rupture, including rapid growth, increased pain, redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and foul-smelling discharge. Seek medical attention if these symptoms appear or if the cyst affects function or appears in a sensitive area.

Key Points

• Signs of Infection: Look for increased pain, redness, swelling, and warmth around the cyst, as these indicate potential infection that requires medical attention.

• Rapid Growth: A cyst that grows quickly or changes shape should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out other issues.

• Discharge and Rupture: Foul-smelling pus or other discharge from a draining or ruptured cyst is a sign of a potential problem.

• Systemic Symptoms: Fever, chills, or feelings of general unwellness in conjunction with cyst changes can signal a more severe, spreading infection.

• Differentiation from Tumors: While most cysts are benign, a medical evaluation is the only way to confirm a diagnosis and rule out other possibilities, like tumors.

• Avoid Self-Treatment: Never attempt to squeeze or pop a cyst yourself, as this can worsen inflammation, cause infection, and lead to scarring.

Recognizing the Signs of a Worsening Cyst

Recognizing the signs of a worsening cyst involves observing changes in its size, appearance, and the symptoms you experience. While many cysts are harmless and may resolve on their own, infection, inflammation, or rupture can lead to serious complications. Knowing what to look for is crucial for your health and peace of mind. Regular self-monitoring is the first line of defense.

Symptoms of an Infected Cyst

An infected cyst is one of the most common reasons a benign bump can become problematic. When bacteria enter the cyst, it can lead to an abscess, requiring prompt medical treatment.

• Increased pain or tenderness: While a simple cyst is often painless, an infected one becomes tender and sore to the touch.
• Redness and swelling: The skin over and around the cyst will become noticeably red, swollen, and inflamed.
• Warmth: The area surrounding the cyst may feel warm to the touch due to the infection.
• Foul-smelling discharge: If the cyst breaks open, it may release yellowish, pus-like, or cheesy material with a strong, unpleasant odor.
• Fever or chills: These systemic symptoms can indicate a more widespread infection, requiring immediate medical attention.

Indicators of a Growing or Changing Cyst

A cyst that is growing or changing rapidly can be a cause for concern. Though most are benign, a rapidly changing lump should always be evaluated by a healthcare professional to rule out more serious conditions.

• Rapid increase in size: If the cyst is getting noticeably bigger over a short period, it's a sign to see a doctor.
• Changes in shape or color: A smooth, round cyst that becomes irregularly shaped or changes color may warrant investigation.
• Location-specific irritation: Cysts located in high-friction areas, such as under bra straps or near joints, can become constantly irritated and problematic.

Warning Signs of a Ruptured Cyst

A cyst can sometimes rupture on its own, which can be messy and uncomfortable. While not always an emergency, some ruptures, particularly with internal cysts like ovarian ones, can be severe.

• Sudden, severe pain: A sharp, acute pain can indicate a rupture, especially if it's accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Discharge and drainage: The bursting of the cyst can release its contents, which can have an unpleasant odor.
• Internal bleeding: With deeper cysts, a rupture can cause internal bleeding, leading to dizziness, weakness, or a rapid heartbeat.

Different Cysts, Different Warning Signs

Different types of cysts can present with unique warning signs. While the general indicators of infection and inflammation apply broadly, knowing the specific type of cyst can help you understand the risks involved.

Ovarian Cysts

• Pelvic pain: Can be a dull, constant ache or a sudden, severe pain indicating a rupture or ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary).
• Abdominal bloating: A feeling of pressure or fullness in the abdomen can occur, especially with larger cysts.
• Painful intercourse or bowel movements: These symptoms can be associated with larger or problematic cysts.
• Fever and vomiting: These are signs of a severe rupture or infection and require immediate medical care.

Kidney Cysts

• Pain in the side or back: Simple kidney cysts are often asymptomatic, but pain can develop if they grow large enough to press on other organs or if they become infected.
• Fever: Indicates a possible infection within the kidney.
• Blood in the urine: Can signal complications like a ruptured or bleeding cyst.

Epidermoid/Sebaceous Cysts

• Punctum changes: The small, dark opening in the center of the cyst may become inflamed or leak material.
• Inflammation without infection: The cyst can become swollen and tender even without an active bacterial infection. A doctor may inject steroids in such cases.

Comparison of Simple vs. Problematic Cysts

Feature	Simple, Benign Cyst	Problematic Cyst	What It Could Indicate
Appearance	Small, round, smooth, and unchanged	Rapidly growing, irregular shape, or color change	Infection, inflammation, or malignancy
Pain	Painless or mild, if any	Increasing tenderness and pain, especially to the touch	Infection, rupture, or growth impacting nerves
Sensation	Moves easily under the skin	Fixed, hard, or attached to deeper tissue	Less likely to be a simple cyst; requires evaluation
Drainage	None, or occasional white/yellow material with no odor	Foul-smelling, pus-like, or bloody discharge	Infection or rupture
Associated Symptoms	None	Fever, chills, dizziness, vomiting	Systemic infection, internal bleeding (ruptured cyst), or other complications

The Role of Self-Monitoring and When to Seek a Doctor

Most people can monitor a simple, asymptomatic cyst at home. The best practice is to know your body and note any changes. You should keep the area clean and avoid trying to squeeze or pop it, as this can lead to infection and scarring.

• Keep a log of the cyst's size, appearance, and any symptoms you experience. Take photos to track changes over time.
• Use a warm compress to help soothe minor inflammation, but do not rely on it for infected cysts.
• If the cyst ruptures, keep the area clean with mild soap and water and cover it with a sterile bandage to prevent further infection.

If you observe any of the warning signs discussed, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. A doctor can accurately diagnose the issue and determine the best course of action, which might include draining the cyst, prescribing antibiotics, or surgical removal. For internal cysts, imaging may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess for complications. An excellent resource for general medical information is the National Institutes of Health: https://www.nih.gov/.

Conclusion

Knowing how do you know if a cyst is getting worse is a vital part of proactive health management. Paying attention to changes in size, pain, and the presence of discharge or fever can help you determine if a benign cyst is becoming problematic. While many cysts are harmless, trusting your intuition and seeking professional medical advice for concerning symptoms is the safest approach to prevent complications and ensure proper treatment. Remember, it is always better to be cautious and consult a doctor if you are unsure about any new or changing lump on your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary sign that a cyst is infected?

The primary signs of an infected cyst are increased redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, and significant pain or tenderness in the area.

When should I see a doctor for a cyst?

You should see a doctor if your cyst is painful, growing rapidly, inflamed, draining pus, or located in a sensitive area. A doctor should also evaluate any new or unusual lump.

What are the risks of popping a cyst at home?

Popping a cyst can push infected material deeper into the skin, increase the risk of a severe infection, cause pain, and lead to permanent scarring.

How can I tell if a cyst is a tumor instead?

You cannot determine this on your own. While cysts are often soft and movable, and tumors can be hard and fixed, only a medical professional can confirm a diagnosis, possibly with imaging or a biopsy.

Is it normal for a cyst to grow larger?

Some cysts grow slowly over time, but a rapid increase in size is a potential warning sign that should be evaluated by a doctor.

What does a ruptured cyst feel like?

A ruptured cyst can cause sudden, sharp pain. Depending on the cyst's location, it may also lead to swelling, discharge, or more severe symptoms like fever and internal bleeding.

Can an infected cyst heal on its own?

An infected cyst may not heal on its own and can develop into a painful abscess. It is best to see a doctor for proper treatment, which may include drainage or antibiotics.