Getting a pilonidal cyst is quite common these days, and there’s nothing to worry about! However, it is always necessary to get surgery to remove pilonidal cyst. Rather, there are several other ways to get rid of it. All of it depends on the severity of the issue, which in turn, needs the expertise of a medical service provider at the earliest. The best thing that you can possibly do once you witness a pilonidal cyst or any of its symptoms is to go to a doctor without causing any delay.
Read this article till the end to know more about the symptoms of a pilonidal cyst, how it occurs and more such important information!
Before you dive deep into the treatment mechanism of a pilonidal cyst, let us quickly try to understand what it actually is! Well, a pilonidal sinus is a typical medical condition in which you tend to get a cyst or an abscess in right in the cleft area of your buttocks. It usually happens more among the men than that of the women. Also, it has been observed to be more common among people who are involved in long seating or desk jobs.
Two types of pilonidal sinus
There are basically two types of pilonidal sinus – acute pilonidal sinus and chronic pilonidal sinus.
1. Acute pilonidal sinus
It is generally a one-time problem. Pain and tenderness near to the natal cleft are the most common symptoms in this condition. Studies revealed that an acute pilonidal cyst usually occurs due to some sort of bacterial or fungal infection.
2. Chronic pilonidal sinus
This is a long term condition which has become severe since the symptoms were not attended prior in the first place. As a result, the symptoms turned out to be serious. Here, the affected area has developed a sinus or a small pus. This may become recurrent if not attended properly and can even lead to the formation of an abscess.
Note: You should see a pilonidal cyst doctor if home remedies and medications don’t work. However, these small things will work only when your cyst is in its initial stage. Once things have turned serious, there is no other choice but to opt for a surgical treatment which will remove the sinus tract so as to restrict the recurrence of your cyst.
Methods of Diagnosis of a pilonidal cyst
An experienced proctologist will be the best person to diagnose a pilonidal cyst. You must inform your medical history and share relevant information about your medical condition correctly to your doctor. Some of the most common tests to diagnose a pilonidal cyst are as follows:
1. Physical Examination
Doctors will need to examine the affected area physically to check for its signs of inflammation, such as swellings, tenderness, redness and more. Presence of pus is yet another sign of infection.
2. Biopsy
A small sample of your tissue from the affected area is checked during biopsy in a lab. Your doctor will recommend you for this test only when they suspect a pilonidal cyst.
3. Imaging tests
An MRI or an ultrasound will help your doctor fetch a better understanding about the severity of your health condition. It will also enable you to get clarity about your complications without giving you a scope of any dilemma.
When should you go for a surgical treatment?
Your doctor for pilonidal cyst will surely recommend you to go for a surgical treatment once he or she sees that you are getting the sinus occurring repeatedly. The basic aim of this surgery is to remove your affected tissue permanently such that you are no way giving it a chance to recur. As a result, you will be able to refrain yourself from any new pilonidal sinuses. This process includes various steps:
I. Lancing
This makes a small incision in the affected area in order to relieve you from the pain. You may either be admitted in the hospital to get this done for a single day, or you can even get it done from an OPD which is further followed by a proper wound care and antibiotic doses.
II. Open surgery
An incision drainage or a pilonidal cystectomy wherein a small cut is made in your affected area, thereby giving you a relief from pain and ensuring you the fact that you aren’t going to get the infection spreaded around the affected region. Once the cut is made, you can either get the wounded portion of your body left open, or cover it with the help of a gauze. However, in case you have got a severe infection, your doctor may recommend you to place a tube in order to drain the entire fluid out of your cyst. The tube will further be removed once the entire fluid is drained out, so as to prevent its recurrence.
III. Laser treatment
Laser therapy is used in order to destroy the sinus tracts, and this is certainly one of the most effective and faster procedures to treat pilonidal sinuses. The healing time is low and the complications are also very rare!
