Cysts feel like smooth, round, sometimes tender lumps that move slightly under the skin. They are most common in women between 35 and 50 and are closely linked to hormonal changes.
What to expect
- An ultrasound can confirm a cyst without any procedure
- A simple fluid-filled cyst usually needs no treatment
- A large or painful cyst can be drained with a fine needle
- If the fluid is clear and the sac collapses, that is usually the end of the story
A cyst that collapses completely after drainage is benign. If the fluid looks blood-stained, or the wall does not collapse, the sample is sent to the lab for analysis — a precaution, not a diagnosis.