Can Pilonidal Cyst Lead to Cancer: Pilonidal Cyst Specialist Explains

Introduction

According to Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, a pilonidal cyst specialist, skin affected with pilonidal cyst has a high chance of catching inflammation in the long run. The prolonged inflammation due to pilonidal sinus is a significant risk factor for squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).

Pilonidal sinus is a common condition where an abnormal channel forms underneath the skin near the tailbone. It occurs when hair punctures the skin and gets embedded. The body responds to the hair as a foreign substance and creates a cyst around the hair. The cyst then turns infectious, resulting in a painful abscess. The infected cyst can sometimes leak pus and blood, causing discomfort and irritation.

Relation Between Pilonidal Sinus & Skin Cancer

Doctors opine that the recurring problem of pilonidal sinus contributes to the development of skin cancer.

The repeated skin inflammation leads to abnormal changes in its repair mechanism, causing the growth of cancerous cells. Typically, the development of cancer cells is slow in the affected area. However, in some cases, immediate treatment is required to get rid of both skin cancer and pilonidal sinus.

How to prevent pilonidal sinus cancer?

Cancer in the site of the pilonidal sinus is a rare occurrence that takes years to develop. However, it is essential to know how to prevent pilonidal sinus cancer.

The best way to prevent the development of skin cancer at the site of a pilonidal cyst is to seek timely treatment. Surgery is the best option to minimize the chances of recurrence of pilonidal sinus. With years of advances in the medical field, surgical procedures have become simpler and less invasive.

According to Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, a pilonidal cyst surgery doctor in Kolkata, people should keep a check on factors that can make them prone to developing pilonidal sinus. The factors that increase the risk for pilonidal cysts include obesity, excess body hair, deep natal clefts, and sedentary jobs.

A person prone to developing pilonidal sinus can also use hair removal creams to prevent the growth of excess coarse hair near the tailbone. However, if a person is already suffering from the condition, they should consult a doctor before using hair removal cream.

Conclusion

Timely treatment is the best way to prevent pilonidal sinus from developing into cancer. Therefore, upon facing the problems of pilonidal sinus, consult Dr Purnendu Bhowmik, a pilonidal cyst surgeon.

If left untreated, the condition can also cause other health complications like anal fistula, development of multiple cysts and inflammation of the affected area.