Cyst Removal Surgery Q & A

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a round structure under the skin or inside an organ, which is typically filled with liquid, a semisolid material. Cysts can be small or large. They can stay the same size or grow slowly over time. When cysts are infected and filled with pus, they are referred to as an abscess.

What Is a Pilonidal Cyst and a Pilonidal Sinus?

Pilonidal cysts, also known as Jeep Driver’s disease, are cysts that are located at the bottom of the tailbone or the upper part of the cleft between the cheeks of the buttocks. They can be painful when sitting for long periods of time and can become infected, which is called a pilonidal abscess. Pilonidal abscesses can appear firm and swollen with the surrounding skin becoming red and painful to touch. Typically these abscesses are treated with surgical incision and drainage to let out the pus and other debris from inside the infected cyst. This will usually allow the infection to clear, but the cut will not fully heal because the cyst has not been removed. This tract that is left from the skin into the cyst is called a Pilonidal sinus.  A Pilonidal sinus is what is left of a Pilonidal cyst after it becomes infected and is surgically drained.