Thumb cyst causes pain

September 10, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I have constant pain in the base of my thumb near the wrist. In the last 10 months it has been swelling more, and I am unable to open jars or wring anything out. An X-ray showed a cyst in the joint. There is no infection. Is there anything other than surgery that will stop the pain? Ibuprofen is not working.

DEAR READER: If you haven’t already, request a referral to an orthopedic surgeon. He or she may be able to aspirate the cyst (drain with a needle and syringe). You will likely receive a local anesthetic beforehand and the procedure can be done in the office. The cyst may return, during which time you can have it aspirated again or opt for surgical removal.
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Treat Me, Treat My Dog?

April 16, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a cyst on the top of my forehead. Now that my hairline has receded to the point where the cyst has become visible, I would like to have it removed. My insurance will not cover this, but I have a friend and neighbor who is a veterinarian. He says he will do it at cost.

Is there any reason why I should not let him? After all, I trust him to treat my dog and I love her like one of my family.

DEAR READER:
Wow! I am printing and responding to your letter because it is a first. No one has ever asked me to “cross party lines” before.

Veterinarians are qualified — in their field. Many programs do not require a bachelor’s degree for entrance and prerequisites vary, however all programs require up to 90 semester hours at an undergraduate level. Mandated classes include chemistry, biology, genetics, and microbiology. [Read more...]

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Knee Replacement Not Appropriate Treatment For Cyst

March 25, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
Four months ago I injured my arthritic knee while getting into a car. I thought I had twisted it or strained a ligament because it hurt so much at the time. Four days later my knee was stiff and I could hardly move it.

At that point, I decided it was time to see my physician who concluded that I needed a cortisone shot because I probably had fluid on my knee. She referred me to an orthopedist for the shot. Unfortunately it didn’t help. I was then referred for physical therapy. After only two sessions, I was told I needed to go back to the orthopedist. The physical therapist wouldn’t tell me why but called ahead to the doctor and spoke to him directly. When I got there I was told I had a Baker’s cyst and would need a knee replacement. I was further advised not to rush into the surgery because the cyst might improve to the point where the pain would lessen to a manageable level. [Read more...]

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Daily Column

August 26, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
I have a raised growth on my left eyelid similar to a wart. Is there any way to remove it? I don’t want to go to the hospital or a doctor for this.

DEAR READER:
You may have a cyst, skin tag, wart or other harmless lesion. However, because it is on the delicate skin of your eyelid, it should be examined and, if necessary, removed by an ophthalmologist.

Because of the sensitivity of the skin and the risk of permanent damage to the eye, there is no safe way (to my knowledge) to remove the growth at home. If you attempt this you may cause temporary or permanent blindness, scratching or scarring of the cornea or retina leading to diminished vision or even loss of the eye. It is best to leave this up to the professionals.

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Persistent drainage needs second opinion

January 25, 2008 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: Two years ago, a gland in my vaginal area starting draining smelly yellow pus. It then stopped but began to swell and cause terrible pain. I went to my gynecologist who opened the gland. After about two weeks, the swelling and pain stopped. However, now it drains constantly. I have gone back to my doctor twice yet he finds nothing wrong!

I am 60 years old and had a hysterectomy 20 years ago because of a fibroid tumor.

DEAR READER: You appear to have developed a cyst on one of your Bartholin glands. These glands are responsible for maintaining vaginal moisture. This occurrence is more common in women 20-29. All women over 40 who develop these cysts should be tested thoroughly to rule out cancer as a possible cause. Follow-up testing should also include blood work to check for sexually transmitted infections and diseases.

Since your current gynecologist appears to find no problem with your persistent drainage, I recommend you seek a second opinion from another gynecologist. The perseverance of the discharge you describe is not normal and needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Two years is far too long to have suffered with this. You need answers so don’t delay is finding another physician.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my newly updated Health Report “Vaginal Infections and Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a long, self-addressed, 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.

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