Final answer:
A pilonidal cyst is a painful, fluctuant mass located above the intergluteal cleft that can be filled with fluid or semi-solid matter. It is often suppurative, producing pus, and may cause significant discomfort, sometimes requiring surgical removal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of the painful, fluctuant mass above the intergluteal cleft is likely referring to a pilonidal cyst. A pilonidal cyst is an encapsulated sac filled with fluid, semi-solid matter, or gas, typically located near the surface of the skin in the upper buttocks area. This condition is known for being suppurative, meaning it can produce pus, and sometimes leads to severe discomfort and infection. The cyst can form smooth spots of discoloration, small raised bumps, or lesions on the skin, with varying degrees of boundary definition.
While pilonidal cysts occasionally require surgical removal, particularly when they are very large or cause significant pain, many resolve over time without the need for invasive treatment. Health care providers may draw upon their understanding of different regions or quadrants of the body to accurately identify and treat the cyst. If a cyst becomes infected, it may require treatment such as drainage or antibiotics to address the suppuration.