sofidexFor patientsAre you a clinician? Clinical site
Ask Sofi
Listen
Patient SupportEmergencies & Reporting
Log inSign up

Warning-sign checks

Cyst: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for:

    • Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain, especially with vomiting or fainting
    • Sudden severe testicular pain or swelling
    • New weakness, confusion, seizure, loss of consciousness, or difficulty speaking
    • Trouble breathing or swallowing caused by swelling
    • Severe pain with fever and rapidly spreading redness
    • Heavy bleeding, collapse, or signs of shock
    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek prompt medical advice if a cyst becomes increasingly painful, red, hot, or swollen, especially if there is pus, fever, or spreading redness.

    These symptoms may indicate infection.

    A rapidly enlarging lump or severe new tenderness also needs timely assessment.

    These symptoms can have causes other than a cyst, but they should not wait for a routine appointment.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment for:

    • A new or unexplained lump
    • A lump that persists, grows, becomes firm, or changes shape
    • A recurring cyst or one that repeatedly drains
    • A breast, testicular, neck, or abdominal lump
    • A cyst that interferes with movement or daily activities
    • A cyst found on imaging when the follow-up plan is unclear

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Cyst. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.