Cysts usually do not cause pain unless they rupture or become infected or inflamed. Most cysts do not disappear on their own without treatment. Some cysts may need to be drained to relieve symptoms. That involves piercing the cyst with a scalpel and draining it. That doesn't cure the cyst, however. Some inflamed cysts can be treated with an injection of cortisone medication to make it shrink. Cysts that don't respond to other treatments or recur can be removed surgically if they cause troublesome symptoms.