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Cysts (Skin, Ganglion, Ovarian & More)
A cyst is a closed sac, usually filled with fluid, that can form almost anywhere in the body. Most are harmless and many need no treatment at all — but a few warning signs need prompt care, and any new lump is worth having checked.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have:
- Sudden, severe pain in your lower belly or pelvis, especially with nausea or vomiting, fever, faintness, dizziness or weakness, or fast breathing. This can mean an ovarian cyst has burst (ruptured) — large ruptured cysts can cause heavy bleeding — or that an ovary has twisted on its blood supply (torsion) (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)).
- Leg pain or swelling with shortness of breath or chest pain. This could be a blood clot that has traveled to the lungs, which can be life-threatening (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Don’t drive yourself.
Get care the same day (your provider or urgent care) if you have:
- Calf swelling or pain with a Baker’s cyst — pain or swelling that suddenly gets worse, bruising, or warm, red or darkened skin on the leg. A burst Baker’s cyst and a blood clot in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) can look alike, and a clot needs medical attention right away (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). See our blood clots guide.
- A cyst or lump that is red, hot, swelling and very painful, especially with a fever — signs it may be infected or has become an abscess (NHS (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). An infection can spread into the skin around it; see our cellulitis guide.
- A painful lump at the top of the buttock crease that is bleeding or leaking pus — signs of an infected pilonidal sinus, which need treatment (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
See a clinician soon (don’t wait it out) for:
- Any new breast lump or other breast change, such as dimpled skin, a nipple that newly turns inward, or bloody or clear nipple discharge (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), ACOG (opens in a new tab), American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab), National Cancer Institute (opens in a new tab)). Most breast lumps are not cancer, but every new one should be checked.
- A lump that grows quickly or keeps getting bigger, is hard and doesn’t move, lasts more than 2 weeks, or grows back after removal (NHS (opens in a new tab)). A lump behind the knee that grows quickly or comes with night pain, severe pain or fever needs more tests (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Feeling full quickly, losing your appetite or losing weight without trying on most days for at least 2 weeks — possible signs of ovarian cancer (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Blood in your urine, fever, or new pain or tenderness if you know you have a kidney cyst (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)).
Don’t wait for a massage, herbal or other complementary appointment for any of these signs.
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, and it can form in many places in the body (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)). What’s inside depends on the type: a skin (epidermoid) cyst is filled with dead skin cells (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)), a ganglion cyst holds a thick, slippery fluid like the fluid inside your joints (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)), and a Baker’s cyst is a buildup of joint fluid behind the knee (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
The good news: most cysts are harmless
- Skin cysts are not cancerous, and you can’t catch them from someone else (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
- Ganglion cysts are not cancerous and in most cases are harmless; more than half go away on their own (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
- Simple breast cysts are not a cause for concern and don’t raise your risk of breast cancer (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)).
- Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)), and simple kidney cysts are usually harmless (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)).
“Most” is not “all,” though. Some skin cancers look like cystic lumps, so any new lump should be examined by a provider (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)), and a complex breast cyst or a complex ovarian cyst after menopause carries a higher chance of cancer (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). See our cancer guide for more.
How are cysts diagnosed?
A physical exam is often enough for skin and ganglion cysts; shining a light through a lump helps, because fluid-filled cysts let light through and solid tumors don’t (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)). An ultrasound can show whether a lump in the wrist, breast or ovary is fluid-filled or solid (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)), and an MRI, CT scan or biopsy is used when the answer isn’t clear (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), NIDDK (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Lumps have many possible causes, so don’t self-diagnose — see a provider if you’re worried or a lump is still there after 2 weeks (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
A quick guide to common cysts
Skin (epidermoid) cysts
A small, usually painless lump under the skin, most often on the face, neck or trunk, often with a tiny pit in the center. They are very common, grow slowly and often stop growing at a certain size (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). They are often called “sebaceous cysts,” but that name isn’t quite right: true sebaceous cysts are a different, oily kind (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). If one becomes inflamed or infected it can turn red, warm and sore and drain cheesy, bad-smelling material (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
Pilonidal cysts
A fluid-filled sac or small pit near the top of the buttock crease. Doctors think they form when loose hair and dead skin get pushed under the skin; they are most common in young men, and long periods of sitting, thick body hair and tight clothing make them more likely (KidsHealth (opens in a new tab)). Most people don’t notice one unless it becomes infected and painful (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Ganglion cysts (wrist and hand)
The most common lump in the hand. They often appear on the back of the wrist, can appear, disappear and change size quickly, and tend to grow with activity and shrink with rest. A large cyst pressing on a nerve can cause pain, tingling or weakness (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
Baker’s (popliteal) cysts
A swelling behind the knee caused by extra joint fluid, usually from a knee problem such as a torn meniscus, arthritis or gout (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Many cause no symptoms; a large one can cause stiffness or discomfort, and it may be worse after walking (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). See our arthritis guide.
Breast cysts
Round or oval fluid-filled sacs that often feel like a movable lump, sometimes tender; they are most common in women in their 30s and 40s and may grow and hurt before a period (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)). An ultrasound tells a simple cyst (just fluid) from a complicated or complex one, which may need follow-up or a biopsy (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
Ovarian cysts
Most are functional cysts that form during the normal menstrual cycle and are a sign the ovaries are working; they often cause no symptoms (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Most go away on their own within a few months (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Other kinds include endometriomas (from endometriosis), dermoids and cystadenomas (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)). Cancerous cysts are rare and more common after menopause (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)).
PCOS, briefly: polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormone condition, not the same as functional cysts (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Common signs include irregular periods, extra hair growth, acne and many small fluid-filled sacs in the ovaries; it is one of the most common causes of infertility and raises the risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease (ACOG (opens in a new tab)).
Kidney cysts
Simple kidney cysts are fluid-filled sacs that are usually harmless and are often found by chance on a scan done for something else. They become more common with age: in one large study, nearly 1 in 5 people age 50 and older had them (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)). Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is different: a genetic disorder that causes many cysts to grow and can cause high blood pressure and other problems (NIDDK (opens in a new tab), NIDDK (opens in a new tab)).
Side by side
Six approaches compared
For every condition we look at the same six approaches: what each involves, what it typically costs, and what a patient can realistically expect.
| Approach | What it involves | Estimated cost | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional medicine (AMA) | Often watchful waiting. For skin cysts: don’t squeeze, warm compresses, and drainage, an injection or removal by a clinician if needed. Ganglion: observation, a splint, aspiration or surgery. Baker’s: treat the knee problem. Breast: drain painful cysts. Ovarian: repeat ultrasound, birth control pills for frequent cysts, surgery for some. Kidney: imaging; treatment only if symptoms. | Self-pay examples: in-office skin cyst removal about $500–$1,000 plus visit and lab fees; ganglion aspiration about $113.50–$450, excision $1,000–$1,950; pilonidal drainage about $1,072, excision about $4,872–$6,288. Other costs being researched. | Many cysts go away or stay harmless without treatment. Cysts often come back after drainage, and sometimes even after surgery. |
| Chiropractic | No role in treating cysts. | Not a treatment for cysts, so no cost is listed. | We found no research on chiropractic care for any kind of cyst. Don’t let it delay a check of a new lump. |
| Acupuncture | Being researched — coming soon. | ||
| Herbal medicine | No herb or supplement is shown to shrink or dissolve a cyst. Tea tree oil is sometimes tried on skin bumps but hasn’t been studied for cysts. | Cost estimate being researched. | No proven benefit. Tea tree oil can irritate skin and must never be swallowed. Avoid “drawing” salves and online removal products, which can scar. |
| Massage therapy | No role in treating cysts. Don’t have an unexplained lump, or a swollen, painful calf, massaged until a clinician has checked it. | Not a treatment for cysts, so no cost is listed. | We found no research on massage for cysts. Calf swelling with a Baker’s cyst could be a blood clot. |
| MBHA Wellness Coach | Skin hygiene, hands off (no picking or squeezing), a simple lump log with dates and size, breast self-awareness, PCOS-friendly activity and weight goals, and keeping follow-up appointments. | Cost estimate being researched. | Supports — never replaces — medical care. Good habits help you notice changes early and may lower the chance of infection. |
Approach 1 of 6
Conventional medicine (AMA)
Many cysts need no treatment at all — your provider may simply watch them. When treatment is needed, it depends on the type of cyst and the problem it’s causing.
Skin (epidermoid) cysts
- Often no treatment. Epidermoid cysts are not dangerous and don’t need treatment unless they cause symptoms or become red or tender (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Don’t squeeze. If a cyst bursts it could become infected, and squeezing an infected cyst can spread the infection (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Dermatologists also warn against trying to drain a cyst or nodule at home, because the infection risk is high outside a medical office (American Academy of Dermatology (opens in a new tab), writing about acne cysts).
- Warm compresses. For an inflamed cyst, a provider may suggest a warm, moist cloth over the area to help it drain and heal (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- In-office treatment. A provider may inject an inflamed cyst with steroid medicine, or drain or surgically remove a swollen, tender or large one (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Removal is done under local anesthetic and leaves a small scar (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Cysts that aren’t completely removed may come back (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Antibiotics only for real infection. Most red, swollen epidermal cysts are inflamed but not infected; the American Academy of Dermatology advises confirming infection before using antibiotics, and says drainage or a steroid injection into the cyst are appropriate treatments (AAD Choosing Wisely (opens in a new tab)).
Pilonidal cysts
A pilonidal sinus with no signs of infection doesn’t need treatment — a “watch and wait” approach, keeping the area clean (NHS (opens in a new tab)). A painful, swollen abscess usually needs to be opened and drained, sometimes with antibiotics; for a sinus that keeps coming back, surgery to remove it is an option (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Pilonidal cysts sometimes come back even after surgery (KidsHealth (opens in a new tab)).
Ganglion cysts
- Observation: if there’s no pain, watching the cyst is safe (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
- A brace or splint may ease symptoms, and sometimes the cyst shrinks (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
- Aspiration (draining with a needle) for a painful cyst, one that limits activity or an unclear diagnosis — but the cyst often comes back because its root is left behind (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
- Surgery (excision) removes the cyst and its stalk if other treatment doesn’t help; most people return to normal activities in 2 to 6 weeks, but there is still a good chance it returns (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
- Don’t hit it. The old “Bible bump” remedy — striking the cyst with a book or other heavy object — can injure your hand and is unlikely to get rid of it (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)). Don’t try to burst or pop it either (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Baker’s cysts
Often no treatment is needed. If the cyst is painful, the goal is to treat the knee problem causing it; a steroid injection in the knee may reduce swelling. Draining the cyst is possible, but it often returns, and the cyst has a high chance of coming back if the underlying cause isn’t addressed (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Physiotherapy and pain relievers are also options, and surgery to remove the cyst itself is rare (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Breast cysts
Simple cysts don’t need to be removed and may go away on their own; a cyst that is growing or painful can be drained with a needle in the office (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). If the lump disappears after draining, no further treatment is needed; if it doesn’t, or comes back, you may need another exam and imaging (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Surgery may be an option for cysts that keep returning and causing symptoms (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)).
Ovarian cysts
- Watch and recheck. Functional cysts often don’t need treatment and often go away within 8 to 12 weeks; your provider may repeat the ultrasound in 6 to 8 weeks (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Hormonal birth control may be prescribed if you get cysts often, to stop ovulation and lower the chance of new cysts (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)). It doesn’t shrink a cyst you already have (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
- Surgery may be needed if you’re past menopause, or if a cyst doesn’t go away after several cycles, grows, looks unusual on ultrasound or causes pain (Office on Women’s Health (opens in a new tab)). Surgeons aim to preserve fertility whenever possible (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
- PCOS is treated differently, with options such as combined hormonal birth control pills, insulin-sensitizing medicines and weight loss when needed (ACOG (opens in a new tab)).
Kidney cysts
If you have a simple kidney cyst, you usually don’t need more tests or treatment, though you may be asked to have regular ultrasounds to watch for changes. Cysts that cause pain or block blood or urine flow can be drained (sclerotherapy) or removed with laparoscopic surgery (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)). PKD is managed differently; for example, it may require changes in what you eat to control blood pressure (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)).
What it costs
These figures come from a cost guide that collects published U.S. self-pay prices; they are examples, not national averages, and your bill depends on the provider, setting and insurance.
- Skin cyst removal: an uncomplicated in-office excision often runs about $500–$1,000 self-pay. A visit and lab (pathology) fee can add to that — one example totals $1,270. Removal for looks alone may not be covered by insurance (cost guide: The Pricer (opens in a new tab)).
- Ganglion cyst: aspiration about $113.50–$450; office or surgery-center excision about $1,000–$1,950 (cost guide: The Pricer (opens in a new tab)).
- Pilonidal cyst: drainage of an abscess averages about $1,072; simple excision about $4,872 and complicated excision about $6,288 in price-transparency data (cost guide: The Pricer (opens in a new tab)).
- Ultrasound, breast cyst drainage, ovarian and kidney procedures: MBHA cost estimate being researched.
Approach 2 of 6
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care has no role in treating cysts. We found no research testing it for skin, ganglion, Baker’s, breast, ovarian or kidney cysts. If a lump is new, growing or painful, have it checked by a medical provider first, and don’t let any hands-on treatment put off that visit (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
Approach 4 of 6
Herbal medicine
We found no reliable evidence that any herb, supplement or home remedy shrinks or dissolves a cyst. For painful breast cysts, the American Cancer Society notes that vitamins and herbal supplements have been suggested but none has proven helpful (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)).
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is sometimes dabbed on skin bumps. A small amount of research suggests it might help acne and athlete’s foot, but for other conditions there isn’t enough evidence (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)), and we found no studies of it for cysts. Some people get redness or skin irritation from it, and it must never be swallowed — that can cause confusion, unsteadiness and coma (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)). MBHA suggests not putting it on a cyst that is red, broken or draining — that needs a provider.
Be careful with “cyst removal” products sold online
- “Black salve” has been promoted online for various skin conditions; if it contains bloodroot, it can corrode the skin (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)).
- Bloodroot salves used on skin growths have caused disfigurement and worsening lesions, some needing hospital care, and products with bloodroot used to remove moles and skin tags have caused permanent scarring (Memorial Sloan Kettering (opens in a new tab)).
- A lump treated at home without a diagnosis could be something other than a cyst; some skin cancers look like cystic lumps (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)).
If you take supplements anyway
Tell your providers, especially before any procedure. Some herbs interact with medicines — for example, ginkgo may raise the risk of bleeding in people taking blood thinners (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)).
Approach 5 of 6
Massage therapy
Massage has no role in treating cysts, and we found no research testing it for any type. Its place, if any, is ordinary relaxation or muscle relief elsewhere in the body.
- Don’t have an unexplained lump massaged until a clinician has looked at it. Trying to burst a cyst risks infection or skin damage (NHS (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)).
- Baker’s cyst and the calf: pain, swelling and bruising in the calf can come from a burst Baker’s cyst or from a blood clot, and a clot needs medical attention right away (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)). Get a swollen, painful calf checked before any leg massage. Serious side effects of massage are rare, but reported ones include blood clots (NCCIH (opens in a new tab)).
- Tell your massage therapist about any lumps, cysts or recent procedures so they can avoid those areas.
Approach 6 of 6
MBHA Wellness Coach
Most cysts are harmless, but noticing changes early and avoiding infection matter. An MBHA Wellness Coach can help you build these habits, alongside, never instead of, your medical care.
Hands off, and keep skin clean
- Don’t squeeze, pick or try to burst a cyst — it can become infected or spread an infection (NHS (opens in a new tab), NHS (opens in a new tab)). Touching and picking can also make acne bumps worse (American Academy of Dermatology (opens in a new tab)).
- With a pilonidal sinus, shower or bathe regularly to keep the area between the buttocks clean, and don’t shave it unless a doctor advises it (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Avoiding long periods of sitting and keeping the area clean and free of hair can help prevent infection and new cysts (KidsHealth (opens in a new tab)).
Keep a simple lump log
Write down when you first noticed a lump, where it is, roughly how big it is, and whether it changes or hurts. Providers ask exactly these questions (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab), MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)), and a lump that grows or lasts more than 2 weeks should be checked (NHS (opens in a new tab)). Many cysts are managed by watching them, so keep any follow-up scans your provider sets, such as a repeat ovarian ultrasound (MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab)) or regular ultrasounds for a kidney cyst (NIDDK (opens in a new tab)). A coach can help you set reminders and bring your notes to the visit.
Breast self-awareness
Breast self-awareness means knowing how your breasts normally look and feel, so you can spot changes (ACOG (opens in a new tab), American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)). Breast size and shape can change through the menstrual cycle (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)); a new lump, skin changes, dimpling or unexplained redness is a reason to call your provider (ACOG (opens in a new tab)). For tender breast cysts, a well-fitted supportive bra or heat may ease mild discomfort (American Cancer Society (opens in a new tab)).
Comfort for knee and wrist cysts
- Baker’s cyst: resting the knee, a wrapped ice pack for about 10 minutes at a time, and raising the leg can ease symptoms (NHS (opens in a new tab)).
- Ganglion cyst: wrist supports or compression wraps may help if it hurts when you use your hand (NHS (opens in a new tab)); activity can make it bigger, and it often shrinks with rest (AAOS OrthoInfo (opens in a new tab)).
PCOS, briefly
For people with PCOS who have overweight or obesity, losing a small amount of weight and being more physically active can ease many symptoms and related health risks (NICHD (opens in a new tab)); even a small weight loss may help periods become more regular (ACOG (opens in a new tab)). A coach can help you build a realistic activity and eating plan with your provider.
Still being researched: Acupuncture. We add each approach once its costs and results are sourced. Are you a practitioner with experience treating Cysts (Skin, Ganglion, Ovarian & More)? Tell us.
Member stories
Living with Cysts (Skin, Ganglion, Ovarian & More)? Share your experience
Real experiences help others choose. Tell us what you tried — conventional medicine, chiropractic, acupuncture, herbs, massage or coaching — what it cost and what changed.
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Epidermoid cyst (opens in a new tab)
- MedlinePlus — Baker cyst (opens in a new tab)
- MedlinePlus — Breast lump (opens in a new tab)
- MedlinePlus — Ovarian cysts (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Skin cyst (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Pilonidal sinus (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Ganglion cyst (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Baker’s cyst (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Ovarian cyst (opens in a new tab)
- NHS — Lumps (opens in a new tab)
- Nemours KidsHealth — Pilonidal cyst (opens in a new tab)
- AAOS OrthoInfo — Ganglion cyst of the wrist and hand (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Choosing Wisely recommendations (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology — What can clear severe acne? (opens in a new tab)
- American Academy of Dermatology — Pimple popping: why only a dermatologist should do it (opens in a new tab)
- American Cancer Society — Fibrosis and simple cysts in the breast (opens in a new tab)
- American Cancer Society — Breast cancer signs and symptoms (opens in a new tab)
- National Cancer Institute — Benign and precancerous breast lumps and conditions (opens in a new tab)
- ACOG — Benign breast problems and conditions (opens in a new tab)
- ACOG — Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (opens in a new tab)
- Office on Women’s Health — Ovarian cysts (opens in a new tab)
- NICHD — What are the treatments for PCOS? (opens in a new tab)
- NIDDK — Simple kidney cysts (opens in a new tab)
- NIDDK — Polycystic kidney disease (opens in a new tab)
- NCCIH — Tea tree oil (opens in a new tab)
- NCCIH — Skin conditions at a glance (opens in a new tab)
- NCCIH — Herb-drug interactions: what the science says (opens in a new tab)
- NCCIH — Massage therapy: what you need to know (opens in a new tab)
- Memorial Sloan Kettering — Bloodroot (opens in a new tab)
- The Pricer — Sebaceous cyst removal cost (cost guide) (opens in a new tab)
- The Pricer — Ganglion cyst removal cost (cost guide) (opens in a new tab)
- The Pricer — Pilonidal cyst surgery cost (cost guide) (opens in a new tab)
This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Costs are typical U.S. ranges and estimates; yours will depend on your provider, location and insurance. Talk with your doctor before starting, stopping or combining any treatment. In an emergency, call 911. See our disclaimer.
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