Cysts in Grand Rapids, MI: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

A cyst is an abnormal pocket or sac that can be filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air. It can form in many parts of the body, including the skin, genitals, and internal organs. Cysts can range in size from very small (only seen on imaging) to large sacs that hold significant amounts of fluid.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, cysts are a common reason people visit primary care providers, dermatologists, gynecologists, and surgeons at local health systems such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health.

Most cysts are benign (non-cancerous), but any new lump or swelling should be checked by a healthcare professional.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cysts

The most common symptom of a cyst is a lump or swelling in the affected area. Other possible symptoms include:

  • The area may or may not be painful
  • Tenderness or discomfort when touched or with movement
  • Redness or warmth if the cyst is infected
  • Changes in nearby skin (thickening, stretching, or irritation)
  • Pressure symptoms if the cyst is near organs, nerves, or joints

Some cysts are found incidentally on imaging tests (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) done for other reasons at Grand Rapids hospitals.

Why Cysts Form

Many cysts form for no obvious reason. In other cases, causes can include:

  • Blocked ducts or glands (for example, oil glands in the skin or ducts in the reproductive system)
  • Cell defects or developmental issues (present from birth)
  • Infections or parasites
  • Impact injuries that cause internal bleeding and fluid buildup
  • Inflammatory conditions or chronic skin problems

Cold, dry Michigan winters can worsen skin issues, sometimes contributing to blocked pores or hair follicles that lead to certain skin cysts.

Types of Cysts and Their Treatments

Below are some of the more common or medically important cyst types, along with typical treatments. Not all will require surgery, but many do.

Arachnoid Cyst

The arachnoid membrane covers the brain and spinal cord. An arachnoid cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms within this membrane.

  • Cause: Usually a developmental issue present from birth, where the arachnoid membrane doubles up or splits, creating an abnormal pocket of cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Symptoms: Some are silent; others may cause headaches, seizures, or neurological symptoms.
  • Diagnosis: Typically found on CT or MRI scans at imaging centers in Grand Rapids.
  • Treatment:
    • Observation if small and not causing symptoms
    • Surgical drainage or shunting if the cyst causes pressure or neurological problems

Bartholin’s Cyst

The Bartholin glands are located near the opening of the vagina and help with lubrication.

  • Cause: A cyst can form when the duct of the gland becomes blocked.
  • Symptoms:
    • Swelling near the vaginal opening
    • Pain or discomfort, especially when walking or sitting
    • If infected (Bartholin abscess), the area can be very painful and red
  • Treatment (often by gynecologists in Grand Rapids):
    • Warm sitz baths
    • Drainage with a small incision
    • Sometimes a small catheter is placed to keep the duct open
    • Antibiotics if infection is present
    • Surgery for recurrent cysts

Breast Cyst

Breast cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the breast tissue, common in women in their 30s–50s.

  • Cause: Often related to hormonal changes.
  • Symptoms:
    • Smooth, movable lump in the breast
    • May be tender, especially before a menstrual period
  • Diagnosis: Ultrasound or mammogram at breast imaging centers in Grand Rapids.
  • Treatment:
    • Often no treatment if small and not bothersome
    • Needle aspiration (draining the fluid) if painful or large
    • Regular follow-up imaging
  • Cancer risk: Most breast cysts are benign, but some studies suggest that women with certain types of breast cysts may have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer. Any breast lump should be evaluated promptly.

Cystic Hygroma

A cystic hygroma is a fluid-filled sac that usually appears in the neck or head area, often present at birth.

  • Cause: A developmental abnormality of the lymphatic system.
  • Symptoms:
    • Soft, spongy swelling, often in the neck
    • May affect breathing or swallowing if large
  • Treatment:
    • Surgical removal is often recommended
    • Sometimes sclerotherapy (injecting a solution to shrink the cyst)
    • Care is typically coordinated with pediatric specialists

Hydatid (Parasitic) Cyst

Hydatid disease is caused by a tapeworm that can form cysts in organs like the liver or lungs.

  • Cause: Infection with certain tapeworms. This is uncommon in Michigan but can occur in people who have traveled or have exposure in other regions.
  • Symptoms:
    • Depend on location, often no symptoms at first
    • Abdominal pain, cough, or breathing issues if large
  • Transmission: Contact with infected animals (especially dogs), their feces, or contaminated soil or food.
  • Treatment:
    • Surgical removal of the cyst when possible
    • Anti-parasitic medications
    • Care is usually coordinated with infectious disease and surgical specialists

Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or in an ovary. They are very common during the reproductive years.

  • Cause: Many are functional cysts, part of normal egg development.
  • Symptoms:
    • Pelvic pain or pressure
    • Bloating or fullness
    • Pain during sex or around the time of a period
    • Sometimes sudden severe pain if the cyst ruptures or twists (torsion)
  • Key points:
    • Cysts smaller than about 5 cm are often normal and can resolve on their own
    • Some cysts can bleed internally (hemorrhagic cysts)
    • A small percentage can be cancerous, especially in older women or post-menopause
  • Treatment (often at OB/GYN clinics in Grand Rapids):
    • Watchful waiting with repeat ultrasounds
    • Hormonal birth control in some cases
    • Laparoscopic surgery to remove larger, persistent, or suspicious cysts
    • More extensive surgery if ovarian cancer is suspected

Pilonidal Cyst

A pilonidal cyst usually forms near the top of the crease of the buttocks (lower back).

  • Cause: Thought to be related to ingrown hairs, friction, and pressure in the area.
  • Symptoms:
    • Painful lump near the tailbone
    • Redness, swelling, or drainage of pus or blood
    • Can form tunnels (sinus tracts) under the skin
  • Treatment:
    • Draining the cyst (incision and drainage)
    • Antibiotics if infection is present
    • Surgical removal of the cyst and sinus tracts for recurrent cases

Sebaceous (Epidermoid) Cyst

These cysts form in the skin and are filled with thick, greasy material.

  • Cause: Blocked pores or hair follicles that trap keratin and oil.
  • Common locations: Face, scalp, back, scrotum, and other hair-bearing areas.
  • Symptoms:
    • Firm, round lump under the skin
    • A small central opening (punctum) may be visible
    • Can become red, swollen, or tender if inflamed or infected
  • Treatment (commonly done in primary care or dermatology clinics):
    • Observation if small and not bothersome
    • Injection of medication to reduce inflammation
    • Drainage with a small needle or incision
    • Surgical removal of the entire cyst wall to prevent recurrence

When Cysts Become Serious

Even benign cysts can cause complications if not treated appropriately. Possible complications include:

  • Infection and abscess formation
    • The cyst fills with bacteria and pus
    • The area becomes red, hot, and very painful
    • If an abscess ruptures inside the body, it can lead to serious infection
  • Blood poisoning (septicemia)
    • Bacteria enter the bloodstream
    • Can be life-threatening and requires emergency care at a hospital
  • Pressure on nearby organs, nerves, or blood vessels
    • Can cause pain, numbness, or organ dysfunction
  • Rupture of the cyst
    • Sudden pain and internal irritation or bleeding
  • Cancerous cysts
    • Some cysts are malignant or contain cancerous cells
    • Early diagnosis and treatment are critical

If a cyst is found to be cancerous, treatment in Grand Rapids typically involves:

  • Surgical removal of the cyst and some surrounding tissue
  • Possible lymph node removal, depending on the type and location
  • Additional therapies such as:
    • Radiation therapy (using high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells)
    • Chemotherapy (cancer-fighting drugs)
    • Targeted or hormonal therapies, depending on the cancer type

Diagnosis of Cysts in Grand Rapids

To evaluate a cyst, your healthcare provider may:

  • Take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam
  • Order imaging tests, such as:
    • Ultrasound
    • CT scan
    • MRI
  • Perform blood tests if infection, inflammation, or cancer is suspected
  • Use needle aspiration or biopsy to:
    • Remove fluid or tissue for lab analysis
    • Check for infection, inflammatory cells, or cancer cells

These services are widely available at major Grand Rapids health systems and imaging centers.

Treatment Options: From Observation to Surgery

Treatment depends on the type, size, location of the cyst, and whether it is causing symptoms or complications.

Common options include:

  • Watchful waiting
    • Monitoring small, harmless cysts with periodic exams or imaging
  • Medications
    • Antibiotics if infection is present
    • Pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medications
    • Hormonal medications for certain ovarian cysts
  • Needle aspiration or drainage
    • Removing fluid with a needle or small incision
    • Often done in-office for some breast, Bartholin, or skin cysts
  • Surgical removal
    • The most common definitive treatment for many cysts
    • Can be minor outpatient surgery for skin cysts
    • May be more complex surgery for internal or large cysts
  • Specialized procedures
    • Sclerotherapy (injecting a solution to shrink certain cysts)
    • Shunt placement for some brain or spinal cysts
    • Oncologic surgery and cancer therapies for malignant cysts

Local Health Resources in Grand Rapids, MI

If you notice a new lump, swelling, or cyst, you can seek care through:

  • Primary Care Providers
    • Family medicine and internal medicine clinics throughout Grand Rapids
  • Specialists
    • Dermatology, gynecology, general surgery, neurosurgery, oncology, and infectious disease at:
      • Spectrum Health
      • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
      • Metro Health
      • Mercy Health
  • Public Health Resources
    • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health for information on infections, travel-related diseases, and community health services
  • Urgent Care / Emergency Departments
    • For very painful, rapidly growing, or infected cysts
    • For symptoms of serious infection (fever, chills, feeling very ill) or sudden severe pain

When to See a Doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you notice:

  • A new lump or swelling anywhere on your body
  • A cyst that grows quickly or changes in shape or color
  • Pain, redness, warmth, or drainage from a cyst
  • Fever or feeling unwell along with a cyst
  • A breast lump, especially if you are over 40
  • Pelvic pain or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen
  • Sudden severe pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic area

Early evaluation can rule out serious conditions and help you get appropriate treatment at a Grand Rapids clinic or hospital.

Key Points About Cysts

  • A cyst is an abnormal sac that can be filled with fluid, semi-solid material, or air and can form almost anywhere in the body.
  • The most common symptom is a lump or swelling, which may or may not be painful.
  • Many cysts are benign, but some can become infected, rupture, or, in some cases, be cancerous.
  • Typical treatment often involves surgical removal and, when appropriate, testing the tissue to rule out cancer.
  • Any new or unusual lump should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional in Grand Rapids, MI.
  • Local health systems and public health resources in West Michigan provide comprehensive evaluation, imaging, surgical care, and follow-up for all types of cysts.