What happens if I don't remove a cyst?

September 21, 2025 •

4 min read

While many cysts are benign and may not cause problems, leaving them untreated carries certain risks, including potential infection, inflammation, and rupture. Understanding what happens if I don't remove a cyst can help you make an informed decision about your health and when to seek professional medical advice.

Quick Summary

Leaving a cyst alone can lead to several complications, including chronic inflammation, infection, or rupture, which can be more painful and harder to treat. In some cases, a benign cyst may grow larger, putting pressure on nerves or causing cosmetic issues, while a rare few may harbor malignant cells that require investigation.

Key Points

Infection and Abscess: Left untreated, a cyst can become infected, leading to a painful, swollen abscess that requires medical treatment to prevent more serious complications.
Spontaneous Rupture: A cyst can burst on its own or from irritation, releasing its contents into the skin and causing significant inflammation, pain, and potentially severe scarring.
Chronic Recurrence: If the cyst's sac is not completely removed, the cyst can repeatedly return, leading to chronic inflammation and persistent issues.
Aesthetic and Functional Issues: As cysts grow, they can cause cosmetic concerns or physical discomfort by putting pressure on surrounding tissue or rubbing against clothing.
Initial Evaluation is Critical: Before ignoring a cyst, a medical professional should evaluate it to rule out malignancy and confirm it is, in fact, a benign cyst.

The Potential Risks of Leaving a Cyst Untreated

Most people consider cyst removal for cosmetic reasons, but ignoring a persistent or symptomatic cyst can lead to more significant health concerns. The potential outcomes range from minor irritations to serious medical complications that can be prevented with early intervention.

Benign Cysts vs. Other Lumps

Before deciding to leave a cyst alone, it is crucial to confirm its nature with a healthcare professional. A physical examination, and sometimes further imaging or a biopsy, is the only way to accurately differentiate a harmless cyst from a more serious lump or tumor. In rare instances, what appears to be a benign cyst can be malignant or have the potential to become cancerous. Regular, rapid growth, or asymmetry can be signs that require further investigation by a dermatologist.

Complications of Neglected Cysts

Infection and Abscess Formation: A common risk of leaving a cyst is that it can become infected. The enclosed sac can fill with bacteria and pus, turning into a painful abscess that requires prompt medical attention. The area can become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Attempting to pop an infected cyst at home can cause the infection to spread deeper under the skin, making it more challenging to treat and increasing the risk of scarring.
Rupture: Cysts can rupture spontaneously, due to trauma, or pressure from continued growth. When a cyst bursts, its contents—which may include foul-smelling debris or infected material—are released into the surrounding tissue. This can trigger a significant inflammatory response, leading to a much more painful and complex situation than the original cyst. If the infection from a ruptured abscess spreads, it can, in rare cases, lead to blood poisoning (septicaemia).
Chronic Inflammation and Scarring: Even without infection, continued growth can cause inflammation and scarring. When a cyst ruptures and refills, which it often does, the repeated inflammatory cycle can result in chronic pain and significant, permanent scarring. Removing an intact cyst is generally a cleaner, simpler procedure than dealing with a ruptured, inflamed, or recurring one.
Cosmetic and Functional Issues: As a cyst grows, it can become a cosmetic concern, especially if located on the face or scalp. A large cyst can also interfere with movement or cause discomfort by rubbing against clothing or pressing on nerves. A cyst on the scalp, for example, can make it difficult to brush hair without pain.

The Anatomy of a Cyst and Treatment Considerations

A cyst is an enclosed sac with a distinct wall, which differentiates it from a pimple or simple infection. The sac holds the fluid or solid material inside. This is why drainage alone often leads to recurrence, as the sac remains to fill up again. A permanent solution often requires surgical excision, where the entire sac is removed. This is why home remedies like warm compresses, while potentially offering temporary relief, do not provide a long-term cure. For a comprehensive overview of common skin conditions, the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology provides a wide range of educational resources.

When to See a Doctor

While some benign cysts can be monitored if they are small and asymptomatic, certain signs warrant immediate medical attention. It is critical to consult a healthcare professional if a cyst:

Grows rapidly in size
Becomes painful, red, or swollen
Exhibits signs of infection, such as discharge or warmth
Is in a location that is constantly irritated by clothing or movement
Has an irregular, asymmetric shape

Treatment vs. Observation


Feature	Observation (Watchful Waiting)	Treatment (Removal)
Applicable for	Small, non-symptomatic, and confirmed benign cysts.	Cysts that are painful, infected, growing rapidly, or in an inconvenient location.
Long-term Risk	Potential for spontaneous rupture, infection, or chronic recurrence.	Significantly lower risk of recurrence, complications, or persistent issues.
Procedure	No medical procedure is performed; self-monitoring is required.	Options may include drainage, cortisone injections, or surgical excision.
Recurrence	High potential for recurrence if the cyst sac is left intact.	Low potential for recurrence with complete surgical excision of the cyst wall.
Pain/Discomfort	May develop pain or discomfort over time if it grows or becomes inflamed.	A short period of localized discomfort post-procedure, followed by relief.
Scarring	Potential for significant scarring, especially after rupture and inflammation.	Minimal scarring is expected from a clean surgical removal.

Conclusion

Deciding to leave a cyst alone is a personal choice, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. While many cysts are harmless and may eventually resolve on their own, the possibility of infection, rupture, and chronic inflammation is very real. For peace of mind and the prevention of future issues, a professional evaluation is always the safest and most effective course of action, even for seemingly benign lumps. Consulting a dermatologist can help you determine the best approach, whether that's simple monitoring or a straightforward removal procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some small, non-symptomatic cysts may resolve on their own over time. However, many will persist, and those that are inflamed, infected, or larger often require medical intervention to fully resolve and prevent recurrence.

You should see a doctor if your cyst becomes painful, grows rapidly, shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth), ruptures, or if you are concerned about its appearance. A medical evaluation is necessary to confirm its nature and determine the best course of action.

Most cysts are benign and non-cancerous. However, it is possible for some cyst-like lesions to be or become malignant. Only a medical professional can confirm a diagnosis through physical examination, and if necessary, further testing like a biopsy.

Draining a cyst involves simply making an incision to remove the contents, which is not a permanent solution because the sac is left behind and can refill. Surgical excision removes the entire sac, which significantly lowers the chances of recurrence.

If a cyst bursts under the skin, it can cause significant inflammation, pain, and redness as the body reacts to the foreign material. This can lead to the formation of scar tissue and make it more difficult to treat permanently.

You should never attempt to pop or cut a cyst at home. This can lead to serious infection, deeper scarring, and potential spread of the infection. A healthcare provider is the only person who should safely drain or remove a cyst.

No. Different types of cysts have different risk profiles. For example, an inflamed epidermoid cyst is at high risk for rupture and abscess formation, while a ganglion cyst on a joint might primarily cause pain and mobility issues.