Cust on neck still draining.....

[pem0608]

Hello.

I am in good health otherwise, 33 yrae old, male.

For over 10 years I had a lump on the back of my neck, just below the hair line. It was rubbery, round, and moved beneath the skin. I was told it was a lipoma or a cyst and was not necessary to treat unless in became inflamed or started causing problems.

Around Jan 1st, the lump became larger, inflamed, and painful. I went to a dermatologist who diagnosed it as a cyst and put me on antibiotics.  They also gave me a shot of cortisone to take the swelling down.  The plan was to remove the cyst when the infection cleared. This worked alright for a week, but then the cyst became painful again and the swelling returned. A different Dr. in the practice decided to drain the cyst.  

The cyst was drained on Jan 18th.  I had to go back a few times they said because it was a large infection and would continue to drain. I had it drained again about 4 days later, and have been back a few time. At this point there is no more lump or anything, but the wound continues to drain, in the past it seemed to be leaking cyst material and pus, no it is mainly pus. Not a lot on the bandage everyday, but some.

Today, Feb 10th, I was supposed to have the cyst removed, but because the cyst is still draining they cancelled the excission.

They took a culture of the pus to see what antibiotics will be most effective and should have the results next week.  

This entire time I have been on antibiotics including Cipro and Omnicef.

I am getting a bit concerned.....how long will a cyst drain for? Am I missing something here, what questions to I need to be asking?  The Dr's seem to feel this was/is only a cyst, but the fact the infection won't clear is beginning to worry me. Or this could be a normal course of how these things go, I don't know. Any suggestions appreciated.

Also, this is on the back of my neck, near my spine, I am concerned about the infection getting into that area and causing more issues, don't know if that can happen actually, but it is a concern I have.

Thanks.

[pem0608]

Cyst on Neck...sorry, can't type

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

If the cysts continues to drain, the only way I can think of getting rid of it is to have it surgically removed.  Once your surgeon is convinced that the drainage is either gone or not actually infected, the removal will solve your problems.  For your sake, I hope this is soon.  Because skin cysts don't penetrate deep, I doubt you have anything to be concerned about relating to your spine.

Take care,

Dr. Rockoff