Pilonidal cyst

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Symptoms

By Mayo Clinic staff

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Image of a pilonidal cyst
Pilonidal cyst

A pilonidal cyst may cause no noticeable symptoms (asymptomatic). The only sign of its presence may be a small pit on the surface of the skin.

When it's infected, a pilonidal cyst becomes a swollen mass (abscess). Signs and symptoms of an infected pilonidal cyst include:

  • Pain
  • Localized swelling
  • Reddening of the skin
  • Drainage of pus or blood from an opening in the skin (pilonidal sinus)
  • Foul smell from draining pus
  • Hair protruding from a passage (tract) below the surface of the skin that connects the infected pilonidal cyst to the opening on the skin's surface (a pilonidal sinus) — more than one sinus tract may form
  • Fever (uncommon)

When to see a doctor
If you notice any signs or symptoms of a pilonidal cyst, see your doctor. He or she can diagnose the condition by examining the lesion.

References
  1. Humphries AE, et al. Evaluation and management of pilonidal disease. The Surgical Clinics of North America. 2010;90:113.
  2. Sullivan DJ, et al. Pilonidal disease. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 18, 2010.
  3. AL-Khamis A, et al. Healing by primary versus secondary intention after surgical treatment for pilonidal sinus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2010:CD006213.
  4. Pilonidal disease. American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. http://www.fascrs.org/patients/conditions/pilonidal_disease/. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  5. Bullard Dunn KM, et al. Colon, rectum and anus. In: Brunicardi FC, et al. Schwartz's Principles of Surgery. 9th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2010. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=5015668&searchStr=pilonidal+cyst#5015668. Accessed March 17, 2010.
  6. Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 22, 2010.
DS00747 June 17, 2010

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