Didn't realise I had a cyst till after it popped/drained - now what? What do I ask my Dr?
As title says, according to my Dr, I had a perianal cyst and I didn't realise until after it had popped/drained. I'm really surprised I didn't know tbh as i've had recurrent pilondial and bartholians cysts before so I am intimately aware of that distinct sharp pain, like being stabbed with a red hot needle, that accompanies a cyst at it's peak before it bursts. I only noticed because I actually thought I had a prolapse or something, and when I looked, I noted that it was a white patch sorrounded by red right next to my anus. Which my Dr said was the remains of a cyst.
My Dr didn't really say much about what to do with it. To be fair, they were probably distracted as I have also had ongoing GI issues that have been getting worse and prompted an urgent referal to my local hospital gastroenterology dept.
This appointment was a week ago and I have been keeping a close eye on it since I know the risks with any sort of cyst or open wound in an area such as this. I haven't had any pain or signs of local or systemic infection. Which is great! But it doesn't look to be healing or getting any smaller. And i'm concerned that even though it popped and drained, that there might still be remmenants left and that it won't heal on it's own. Or will recur. Or that it is a sign of an anal fistula.
Today I made an appointment for two days away to follow up on it with the Dr. This was also prompted by having some blood with my stool. This isn't uncommon for me, but the amount (not a go straight to hospital amount but more tnan a couple of streaks) and not being constipated alongside it was strange. It didn't appear to be coming from the cyst wound, and I have ongoing GI issues under investigation as discussed, but because it all involves the same area it raises suspicion for me that there is an anal fistula involved.
Has anyone dealt with a similar situation?
And in terms of my upcoming appointment, what would be the best questions to ask my Dr? I've done a bit of reading and it seems like usually it gets caught at the lump stage and gets an I&D or surgery and any suggestion of a fistula gets followed up then. Is it worth asking for a referal to get a surgeon to look at it, even though there isn't a lump? Or would it be potentially okay to wait and watch?
Do I bring it up with the gastroenterology dept when I see them? Or update my referal to let them know? And also how best do I care for it in the meantime beyond keepjng the area clean and trying not to irritate it?
Thank you all for your help.