What we assess
We assess the cyst’s size, location, symptoms, previous inflammation or infection, and whether it has been treated before.
Dermatology · Skin Cysts
Cyst Removal in Malta
Assessment and removal of selected skin cysts at St Mary’s Medical Clinic in Mosta. A cyst is a sac beneath the skin containing keratin, fluid or other material, and treatment depends on the type of cyst and whether it is inflamed or infected.
Assessment firstMosta Medical ClinicIndividual aftercare
Removing the contents is not always the same as removing the cyst wall.
Overview
Cysts behave differently from surface skin growths.
A skin cyst usually presents as a lump beneath the skin rather than a surface tag. Some remain quiet for years; others become inflamed, tender, drain or recur.
Cysts vary in size, depth and behaviour. Care is planned around whether the cyst is stable, inflamed, infected or recurrent.
Cyst assessment
Care planned around the individual cyst.
Cysts vary in size, depth and behaviour. Care is planned around whether the cyst is stable, inflamed, infected or recurrent.
Why the diagnosis matters
The treatment is selected for the actual lesion rather than applying the same removal method to every lump or skin growth.
Assessment
Inflamed, infected or quiet?
That distinction matters. An acutely inflamed or infected lump may require a different plan from a stable cyst being considered for definitive removal. We assess the site, size, symptoms and previous episodes first.
When it appeared, whether it has changed and any previous treatment.
Size, location, surface features and how the lesion or lump behaves.
Pain, irritation, bleeding, inflammation, drainage or repeated trauma where relevant.
Whether removal here is appropriate, which method is suitable and whether further testing is relevant.
Procedure
Why the cyst wall matters.
Drainage or aspiration differs from surgical excision. Drainage can relieve contents but leaves the sac behind; excision aims to remove the cyst wall as well, which can reduce recurrence. The appropriate approach depends on the individual cyst.
Assess
Confirm what is being treated and whether removal is appropriate.
Plan
Choose the technique according to the lesion, site, size and clinical findings.
Remove
The procedure is performed using the agreed approach, with local anaesthetic when appropriate.
Aftercare
Receive wound-care and follow-up instructions specific to the procedure performed.
Recovery
An incision may need stitches.
Recovery depends on the size, site and procedure. Surgical excision can require sutures and wound care. Some excisions heal over roughly one to two weeks, although recovery and wound care vary between patients.
Contact us if you develop concerns after treatment such as worsening pain, spreading redness, significant swelling, persistent bleeding or other symptoms you were not expecting.
Pricing
Cyst removal pricing.
Cyst removalFrom €250Final cost depends on assessment and procedure
Cyst removal starts from €250. Final cost depends on the cyst and procedure required.
Practitioner
Your assessment.
Cyst assessment and removal is provided through our dermatology service at St Mary’s Medical Clinic in Mosta.
St Mary's Medical Clinic · Mosta
Dr Frank Farrugia
Assessment and treatment are planned according to the type of lesion, its clinical appearance and the procedure required. Where a lesion is not suitable for routine removal, the next step can be discussed during assessment.
FAQs
Common questions
The practical differences between drainage, excision, recurrence and aftercare.
01What is a skin cyst?
A cyst is a sac beneath the skin that contains material such as keratin or fluid. Epidermoid cysts are a common example, but not every lump beneath the skin is a cyst.
02Why can a cyst come back after drainage?
Drainage removes the contents but may leave the cyst wall behind. If the wall remains, the cyst can refill or recur.
03Is excision always performed immediately?
Not necessarily. An inflamed or infected cyst can require a different initial approach, so timing is decided after assessment.
04Will I need stitches?
Some surgical cyst excisions require sutures. This depends on the size, location and technique used.
05Will there be a scar?
Surgical removal requires an incision and therefore can leave a scar. Its final appearance varies with the cyst, site, wound care and individual healing.
06What if the lump is not a cyst?
Assessment is important because other skin and subcutaneous lumps can resemble cysts. If the diagnosis is uncertain or another pathway is more appropriate, we will discuss that before treatment.