Pilonidal cysts are a common condition, with more than 70,000 cases reported in the U.S. every year. But many people feel too embarrassed to mention it – even to their healthcare providers. Pilonidal cysts can cause pain and need to be treated.

Has anyone ever died from a pilonidal cyst?

Among the 4 patients in the excised and closed primarily without drainage group, 1 (25%) experienced a recurrence and none experienced 2 recurrences (p = 0.12). Each recurrence was smaller than the original. All wounds eventually healed. There were no other complications and no deaths.

How rare is pilonidal?

Pilonidal sinuses located on the scalp are very rare, with only about 0.2% occurrence [2]. PS typically occur in the second or third decades of life and attain peak incidence between ages 15 and 25 years; as expected, 80% of patients are male [1, 3].