A pilonidal cyst is a type of benign lesion that most often develops near the tailbone. If this cyst becomes infected, it can cause significant pain. Dr. Faith A. Menken offers surgical treatment options to patients with pilonidal cysts in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York. Patients with this condition should contact Faith A Menken MD, to make an appointment with Dr. Menken.
A pilonidal cyst is a pocket that develops in the skin, typically at the top of the cleft of the buttocks. This cyst contains skin debris and hair. Initially, pilonidal cysts may not cause any symptoms for the patient aside from their appearance. However, pilonidal cysts often become infected, causing a painful abscess to form.
Pilonidal cysts develop when hair punctures the skin and fails to emerge completely. Loose hairs often puncture the skin after being exposed to friction and pressure from tight clothing or other sources. After the hair punctures the skin, the body reacts to the embedded hair as though it's a foreign substance and builds a cyst around it.
Some people are more likely to develop pilonidal cysts than others. Risk factors for these cysts include sitting for long periods of time, being male, being obese, and having excess body hair. Coarse hair is more likely to cause a cyst than fine hair.
Patients should suspect infection if a pilonidal cyst becomes swollen, painful, and red. Infected cysts may also seep pus or blood. If pus is removed from an infected cyst, it will have a foul smell.
Dr. Menken offers two different types of surgical treatment for people with infected pilonidal cysts. For people with small cysts, she may numb the area and make a small incision to drain the cyst. For people with large or recurrent cysts, she may perform a more complex surgical procedure to remove the cyst entirely.
Pilonidal cysts don’t always need to be removed. However, if the cyst becomes infected, the patient will experience pain, and treatment is often necessary. Although some patients may choose to have a cyst drained when it becomes infected, pilonidal cysts tend to recur. A large, infected cyst that has recurred should usually be removed. Dr. Menken will discuss these options with patients in detail so that they can make the right choice.
Dr. Menken accepts a number of major insurance plans. Please contact her office if you do not see your insurance plan listed.
"Dr. Menken is awesome, caring, and well trained. Her knowledge makes me feel comfortable and safe, her staff is very competent and efficient. Highly recommended."
"I have been a patient of Dr. Menken for several years. She is wonderful. Her staff is great. I would recommend her to anyone in need of a surgeon."
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"One of the best surgeons. She saved my life. The second time I got breast cancer in 2008, none of the tests showed it, but Dr. Menken didn't give up."
"I've been treated with respect and never had to wait. She is a top-flight surgeon and is conscientious about her approach and post-op follow up."
"When I walk in her office, she really cares about my health and healing. I wish she specialized in every area of medicine--there aren't many doctors like her."
"I've always found her to be a highly skilled, kind, and caring physician. I would not make a decision about any surgery without consulting her."
