Is this a cyst?

[Squidgemoon]

Sorry to post here but the health boards are never very busy.

I’ve had what I think is a cyst on my cheek for about 6 weeks or so now. It’s got bigger and is very tender to the touch. It looks like it has a white head to it but it’s not a normal spot - I’ve tried squeezing it so many times and even stabbed it with a needle (probably not a great idea!)

It’s not huge but it’s making me feel very self conscious and is sore. If it is a cyst, what are the chances of the NHS helping or am I going to have to pay privately for this?

It probably is, but I'd see a GP to rule out basal cell carcinoma as it's a change and take it from there x

Style and beauty might be a better place to ask as there are some really knowledgeable people on there regarding skin
Hopefully someone will be along to help.
Have you asked a pharmacist? They see all sorts all day long and may be a good starting point .

Thanks @Whatabouthow, I do unfortunately have a history of BCC - I’ve had 2 on my nose 😔they presented very differently to this - but I should get it checked out. I’ll see if a can get an appointment after Christmas (ha! That’s an ordeal with my GP surgery …)

Eugh tell me about it. I have a spot/lump/cyst in exactly the same place I need to get checked (so read with interest!) but it's such a headache getting an appointment! If you don't mind sharing, how did your others present? Mine looks exactly like yours but isn't painful.

@Whatabouthow my BCCs were like a spot/scab that would bleed and never fully heal up. Like it would heal, but then a week later it would bleed again so it was a constant cycle of bleed, scab, heal, bleed, scab, heal etc. I say I had 2 but it was really the same one that recurred about 5 years after they removed it - they obviously didn’t get it all the first time. Very different to this.

Thank you, that's very helpful. This does sound very different. X