Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 2/11/2008

Question
Dr. Kristina Connor,
Thank you so much for your time. I have a fatty cyst on my back and the doctor said it's harmless and the only treatment is surgery. Even then it could grow back. I was wondering if there is a way to treat it and make it go away permanantly. I have had this cyst on my back for four years and it hasn't changed in size. I don't experience any pain or tenderness, it just sits there. Please, if there is anything I can do to get rid of it, please let me know. If you would like to know more, please tell me. Thank you for your time once again.

Katie

Answer
Hello Katie
Thanks for your question.  In naturopathic medicine, we look for individual causes and cures.  This is especially true for minor skin conditions like rashes and cysts.  We look at this as a sign of some discord in the body, which would need to be uncovered to be rid of the problem.  Just cutting a cyst out does not get to the cause of why it was there in the first place; without this, it may lead to another type of condition in the future.  
To uncover the original cause, first look at what was happening at the time it arose, and any chronic irritations since then in the surrounding areas.  Looking at other chronic irritations, such as food sensitivities, allergies, toxin exposures, minor health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, etc.  is also a good idea.  Usually, when you start to investigate these areas, you will find areas to work in.  With better health, your body may not need an expression such as a cyst.  Or, you may find a solution among these changes that allows your body remove the cyst.  With a highly personalized treatment, you are much more likely to find a lasting cure, and improve your health overall.   
If you can, it would be good to enlist the help of a naturopathic physician (www.naturopathic.org), to help you investigate some of these areas.
Good luck!
Dr Conner