If i have a cyst on my ankle/back of foot, is surgery a must for removal? it is very hard and my foot falls asleep often for no reason. thank you.

Cyst: If you have had it evaluated , then your treating physician should discuss that with you. If you have not and are self diagnosing , you should see a physician so it can be discussed . Start with your podiatrist

There are : Different types of cysts. Having said that as long as the lesion is benign then you don't have to do surgery. Your foot falling asleep is a concern and I am not sure the two are related. I would follow up with doc to find out why the foot falls asleep often thats not a good thing.