An abscess can form anywhere in your body making you feel unwell and in pain. An abscess forms when your body tries to control infection by forming a wall around the infected area. Pus then forms within this wall and as the lump grows, the pain increases. A small abscess can be drained under a local anaesthetic but in certain cases a general anaesthetic may be needed.
Surgery will remove your abscess so the pain will disappear. Surgery should also prevent other serious complications which can occur due to the formation of an abscess.
However, if the abscess is packed, the healing process may be slow. If complications do occur, the abscess may keep coming back.