A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue, filled with a liquid, pus, or other material, that can occur on any part of the body. Most cysts are noncancerous, and go away on their own without requiring treatment; but some need to be drained or surgically removed to relieve symptoms if they have become inflamed, infected, or otherwise cause pain.
If a cyst requires surgical removal, it is generally an outpatient surgical procedure involving the use of a local anesthetic to numb the area around the cyst, which is then removed with a scalpel. If the cyst is small, it may be lanced instead.