Board-Certified Dermatologist | 34+ Years Experience
Cysts are common, usually noncancerous growths that can develop within or beneath the skin. They may appear as round or dome-shaped lumps and can vary in size. Some cysts remain small and painless, while others may become enlarged, tender, inflamed, or infected.
At Yolanda C. Holmes, M.D., P.C., Dr. Holmes provides personalized evaluation and treatment for cysts and other skin growths in Washington, DC. As a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience, Dr. Holmes evaluates each growth based on its appearance, location, symptoms, and individual characteristics to determine the most appropriate approach.
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A cyst is a sac or capsule that can develop within or beneath the skin. Depending on the type, a cyst may contain fluid, keratin, or other material.
Cysts can occur on different parts of the body and may range from very small to several centimeters in size. Some remain unchanged for long periods, while others may gradually increase in size or become inflamed.
Although most skin cysts are benign, a new or changing lump should be evaluated if you are unsure what it is.
A cyst may appear as:
Cysts can be painless, but they may become tender, swollen, red, or painful if they become inflamed or infected.
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst. A dermatologic examination can help determine whether a growth is consistent with a cyst or another type of skin growth.
Cysts can develop on many areas of the body, including:
The location, appearance, and characteristics of a lump can provide useful information during a dermatologic evaluation.
Different types of cysts can have different causes.
Some cysts develop when skin cells or keratin become trapped beneath the surface of the skin. Others may be associated with blocked structures within the skin or other underlying factors.
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst. Because several types of growths can look or feel similar, professional evaluation can help determine the likely cause.
Consider scheduling a dermatology evaluation if a lump or suspected cyst:
A dermatologist can examine the growth and determine whether monitoring, medical treatment, removal, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
Cysts can occur in people of all skin tones.
Inflammation around a cyst may appear differently depending on natural skin pigmentation. In addition, inflammation or injury to the skin may sometimes result in temporary or persistent changes in skin color.
Dr. Holmes considers each patient's skin tone and individual skin characteristics when evaluating cysts and other skin growths.
Learn more about Dermatology for Skin of Color in Washington, DC →
Most cysts can be evaluated through a dermatologic examination.
Dr. Holmes may consider:
In some situations, additional evaluation may be recommended if the diagnosis is uncertain or the growth has unusual characteristics.
Treatment depends on the type of cyst, its size and location, whether it is inflamed or infected, and your individual concerns.
Depending on the situation, Dr. Holmes may recommend:
Not every cyst requires treatment or removal.
Dr. Holmes will evaluate the growth and discuss the most appropriate approach based on its characteristics, symptoms, location, and your individual needs.
If removal is recommended, your treatment options can be discussed as part of your dermatologic care.
Some cysts may remain stable for long periods without causing symptoms.
Others may gradually become larger or become inflamed.
A cyst that is not causing problems may sometimes be monitored. However, a new, changing, painful, or repeatedly inflamed lump should be evaluated by a dermatologist.
Yes.
A cyst can become inflamed, causing:
Inflammation does not always mean that a cyst is infected. A dermatologist can evaluate the area and determine whether medical treatment is appropriate.
Some cysts can recur after treatment.
The likelihood of recurrence can depend on the type of cyst, its characteristics, and the treatment approach.
If a cyst repeatedly returns, becomes inflamed, or continues to grow, a dermatologic evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.
When removal is recommended, the surgical approach may be discussed separately.
Learn more about Cyst Removal in Washington, DC →
Not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst.
Other conditions can cause similar-looking or feeling bumps, including:
Because these conditions can sometimes look or feel similar, professional evaluation can help determine what is causing the growth.
Learn more about Growth Evaluation & Removal →
Most skin cysts are benign and are not skin cancer.
However, not every new lump is necessarily a cyst. A growth that is rapidly changing, unusual in appearance, persistently bleeding, or otherwise concerning should be evaluated.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, additional evaluation may be recommended.
Learn more about Skin Cancer Treatment in Washington, DC →
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Board-Certified Dermatologist
with 34+ years of experience
Comprehensive Evaluation
of cysts and other skin growths
Individualized Treatment Plans
based on the characteristics, location, symptoms, and concerns associated with each growth
Medical Dermatology Expertise
to help distinguish cysts from other skin conditions and growths
Experience with All Skin Types
including patients with skin of color
Recognized
2025 Best Dermatologist in Dupont Circle
Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes is a board-certified dermatologist with more than 34 years of experience serving patients in Washington, DC.
She provides individualized evaluation and treatment for cysts, skin growths, and other dermatologic concerns. Dr. Holmes considers the characteristics of each growth, the patient's symptoms and concerns, and whether monitoring, treatment, removal, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.
With a focus on skin of color, Dr. Holmes considers each patient's individual skin characteristics when evaluating skin growths and other skin concerns.
Learn more about Dr. Holmes →
If you have a new, changing, painful, or otherwise concerning lump beneath your skin, a dermatology evaluation can help determine what it may be and whether treatment or additional evaluation is appropriate.
Schedule a Cyst Evaluation in Washington, DC
