Can a neck cyst be lasered off?

Thank you for the question. A cyst is a lump in the skin and this is located in the dermis or 2nd layer of the skin. It is a sac-like structure with a lining and depending on the type of cyst, may contain keratin or sebaceous material.

The preferred method of removal is surgical excision as you will need to completely remove the cyst lining to prevent recurrence of the cyst.

As the cyst is deeper in the dermis, lasering it off can lead to a worse scar formation and a higher risk of incomplete removal.

Without a photo of the lump on your neck, it would be difficult to advise you on the likely diagnosis or treatment plan.

Neck cysts are not uncommon and is usually a benign lesion due to a collection of oil or fluid in a sac (often lined by skin tissue). The treatment of neck cysts depends on your symptoms as well as the location and size of the cyst (e.g. if it is just in the skin layer or deeper). Most of the time, a small cyst in the skin layer of the neck can be excised under local anaesthesia. It is a simple procedure. I would not recommend lasering a neck cyst as that may result in incomplete removal and possibly more scarring.

Having said that, it is best that you visit a General Practitioner first (if you are unsure of the nature of the lump), or an ENT Specialist for an assessment.

Hope this helps and all the best!

This would depend on how deep the neck cyst is located. There are skin cyst like sebaceous cyst that are superficial and can be treated very easily.

There are deeper neck cyst that may require surgery.

These neck cysts are usually due to congenital developmental brachial cleft cysts. These can be imaged with contrast X-rays and can be excised in its entirety. It might be prudent to consult an ENT specialist soon.