Pilonidal sinus is a painful condition that can affect both men and women. An abnormal channel was created near the buttocks’ crease due to pilonidal sinus. This disease may also lead to abscess formation or infected cysts. But, does pilonidal cyst cause cancer? To know about the risk of having cancer from pilonidal disease, you can consult your colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst. You will learn whether the affected site will lead to cancerous growth.
Pilonidal sinus and skin cancer
Pilonidal sinuses or cysts do not initially cause any cancer symptoms. It is only a benign skin disease caused mainly by irritated skin tissues. It also results in the formation of a cavity in your tissue. The particular spot collects dead skin, hair, oil, bacteria, and dirt. When this part gets infected, it causes an accumulation of pus and blood.
Due to infection, the sinus turns out to be an abscess. You will feel swelling, pain, and tenderness. Fluid is also discharged from the part. You will find a mass or lump on your skin. Despite their pain, these symptoms don’t have any major negative implications. These symptoms don’t mean that cancer cells will grow malignantly in you.
When does a pilonidal cyst cause skin cancer?
Only a few pilonidal sinus patients suffer from skin cancer in the future. It happens mainly to patients who have recurring or chronic abscesses over time. For instance, people suffering from pilonidal sinus symptoms for more than 20 years may have risks. Their tissues get exposed to irritation and inflammation for a long period. It increases the chance of injury and increases the possibility of cancerous cells growing in the tissues.
Moreover, patients who suffer from anorectal conditions may also have a risk of cancer in the future. They may also have a risk of experiencing chronic pilonidal sinus symptoms. For instance, the patient will suffer from anal fistula and chronic abscess.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the main type of cancer-related to pilonidal sinus. However, it may appear in any part of your body. Especially the parts directly exposed to UV sun rays have a high risk of skin cancer. But, this cancer may also affect the areas, which never receive sunlight. That is why the area affected with pilonidal sinus has a risk of cancer.
One thing to be noted is that squamous cell carcinoma will not spread to different parts within a short time. But, you should consider treatment to avoid more serious consequences.
Cancer occurring inside your sinus makes the prognosis more complicated. But, you may not find the signs of carcinoma for a longer period. In some cases, patients mistakenly think that they are only symptoms of the infection’s side effects.
Contact your colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst
When a pilonidal cyst becomes more complicated, you may suffer from cancer. It is safe to consult a reputed colorectal surgeon pilonidal cyst in your locality to get the most effective treatment. Our state-of-the-art, minimally invasive laser therapy, administered by a dual board-certified surgeon in-office, will enable you to resume your regular activities promptly and spare you the extended recovery period linked with conventional surgery. This translates to spending more time living your life to the fullest and less time recovering.