A new bump under your skin can be alarming, especially if it grows, becomes painful, or suddenly changes. Some lumps are harmless and stay the same for years, while others can become infected, inflamed, or interfere with daily life. Whether you’re dealing with a cyst on your back, a lipoma on your shoulder, or a stubborn bump on your face, the most important first step is getting an accurate diagnosis. When removal is needed, medical dermatology treatment offers a safe, effective solution with minimal downtime.
At Manhattan Dermatology, patients receive expert evaluation and in-office surgical treatment for bumps, lumps, and cysts from leading board-certified dermatologists, including NYU dermatology professors. With two convenient New York City locations and comprehensive medical care, you can get answers and treatment in a setting that prioritizes both health and cosmetic outcomes.
What Are Bumps, Lumps, and Cysts?
“Bumps, lumps, and cysts” is a broad term that includes many types of growths that form in or under the skin. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but some may need treatment due to discomfort, infection, appearance, or diagnostic concerns.
Common growths include:
- Epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts
- Pilar cysts (often on the scalp)
- Lipomas (soft fatty growths)
- Dermatofibromas
- Skin tags or benign lesions
- Abscesses or infected cysts
- Enlarged pores or clogged follicles
- Suspicious growths that require biopsy to rule out skin cancer
Because many growths look similar, a dermatologist evaluation is the safest way to identify what you’re dealing with.
Signs That a Lump Should Be Checked
Some bumps are clearly benign, but others should be evaluated quickly, especially if they change. Contact a dermatologist if you notice:
- A bump that is growing quickly
- Pain, redness, or warmth
- Drainage or bleeding
- A lump that feels hard, fixed, or irregular
- A bump that becomes repeatedly inflamed
- A growth that changes color or shape
- A new lump that appears without explanation
- A bump in a sensitive area (face, groin, underarms)
What to Expect During In-Office Lump or Cyst Removal
Most surgical treatments for bumps, lumps, and cysts can be performed right in the office with local anesthesia. The process is typically quick and well-tolerated.
A typical visit includes:
- Evaluation and diagnosis of the growth
- Local numbing to keep you comfortable
- Removal of the cyst or lump through a small incision
- Closure with stitches if needed
- Bandaging and aftercare instructions
For cysts, your dermatologist focuses on removing the entire cyst sac when possible, which helps prevent recurrence.
Incision and Drainage (I&D) for Infected Cysts
If a cyst is actively infected, your dermatologist may recommend incision and drainage to relieve pressure and pain. This procedure allows infected material to drain and helps the area heal. However, drainage alone does not always remove the cyst lining, so the cyst may return later.
Once inflammation has calmed, complete surgical removal can be scheduled if needed to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Manhattan Dermatology
Surgical removal should be safe, precise, and performed with attention to both medical and cosmetic outcomes. Manhattan Dermatology provides comprehensive surgical dermatology care from board-certified experts who regularly treat a wide range of skin growths and conditions.
Patients choose Manhattan Dermatology because they offer:
- Board-certified dermatologists trained in medical and surgical dermatology
- NYU faculty physicians — all providers are dermatology professors
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning for benign and suspicious growths
- In-office surgical removal, including cysts, lipomas, and other lesions
- Skin cancer expertise, including biopsies and Mohs surgery when appropriate
- Two convenient New York City locations on Park Avenue and East 36th Street in Murray Hill and Midtown East
- A full spectrum of dermatology care, from medical conditions to cosmetic services
Get Answers and Treatment for Skin Lumps in New York, NY
Bumps, lumps, and cysts are common, but they shouldn’t be ignored, especially if they’re changing, painful, or repeatedly inflamed.
To schedule an evaluation or discuss cyst removal at Manhattan Dermatology in New York, NY, call (212) 683-6073 or (212) 689-9587 today.