Fatty cyst removal questions ? Please answer them :) need help?

Question

I have apperently got a "fatty cyst" on my heel (it hurts quite alot) its on the right hand side and its on the left foot. I went to my GP and they told me that I shud have it X-RAYED I did and it came back clear with nothing stuck to the bone, or anything like that. They made an oppointment for me to see the orthopaedic surgeon. If they feel that I need to have an operation then what are the risks ?? will I need crutches ?? I am only 12 so will I need a general anesthetic ?? will there be a scar ?? How long will it take ?? Please Please, Please, can you asnswer all of my questions Im very curious. Oh and PLEASE don't say "why dont you ask the orthopaedic all the questions" because I dont really like asking questions to doctors I really dont like doing that. Please answer them :) thankyou

Answer 1

Hey there, I usually work as a nurse in the operating theatres. A fatty cyst isn't uncommon and it is probably best to get it out. It depends on how big it is to determine whether a general anaesthetic is required or whether it can be done under a local. When I was 16 I had something on my foot and I am the worlds biggest chicken. I had a general anaesthetic so I wouldn't know about it. It is not the same sort of anaesthetic for say if you broke your ankle. It is more of a sedation thing. You can get a cream called Emla cream which is a local anaesthetic used on the skin so you will not feel the needle when you need to go off to sleep for the anaesthetic. It is used mainly for children but I am 34 and don't leave home without it. Like I said big chicken. Scars - That depends on you. Have you got any other cuts etc.. where you have scared? Depending on how your body reacts to surgery will determine the scar but you are young which is a good thing in healing and it is your foot so tell your mum you may need a cool anklet to cover any marks. Scars can be cool. It will probably be a quick operation but without seeing the xray I couldn't tell a time. It is a good guess that filling out the peper work required will take longer. If you have a general anaesthetic you wont know anyway. You probably wont need crutches unless you can't weight bear on it (put pressure to walk) or it involves the joint. At least it will be gone and think about sympathy visits and pressents.....Chocolate, flowers cards etc.....I am sure you will look back and feel was that all.. Anyway all the best

Answer 2

I'm not a doctor and you should ask him. If you are uncomfortable with that, give your parents a list of questions.

I had a large fatty tumor removed from my side. They gave me "twilight sleep" which is a light general anesthetic. The entire procedure took 3 hours and I was back to work the same day (although they said I shouldn't because your thinking is impaired for a bout 24 hours)

They may do this under local, probably will. You won't stay overnight at the hospital, you may need crutches for a few days, but I doubt it, probably just a special boot that keeps pressure off of it.

Don't worry, I've had two tumors removed, cardiac catheterization, and a double disc fusion in my neck, and had very little discomfort afterwards, didn't even need pain killers. I discussed this with a nurse friend, and she tells me that the scalpels used today cut the nerves so cleanly that it's unlikely that you will feel much pain at the incision site.

Good luck and don't worry.. The worry before is much worse than the operation and the recovery.