Sebaceous Cysts
By: Tsou JinyeuTotal Views: 142, Word Count: 621,
Cysts may occur anywhere on your body. Epidermal cyst, vaginal cyst, dermoid cyst, sebaceous cyst are the most commonly found cysts. A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac found just below the surface skin. It has lining very similar to the uppermost part of hair follicle. This cyst is filled with a fatty white, semisolid material called sebum.
Other names for sebaceous cyst
- Epidermal cyst
- Keratin cyst
- Epidermoid cyst
Types of sebaceous cyst
- Some times sebaceous cyst is defined by
- its content called as sebum
- place of origin-sebaceous glands
- Many a times epidermoid cyst and pillar cyst are also considered as sebaceous cyst
Where does sebaceous cyst occur?
Sebaceous cyst may occur anywhere on the body except palms of your hand and soles of your feet. They are more commonly seen in hairy areas and may cause hair loss. They are generally seen on scalp, ears, back, face and upper arms. In men, sebaceous cysts are also seen on chest and scrotum.
Structure of sebaceous cyst
Cysts are smooth to touch and vary in size. They are generally round and are generally mobile masses. The mass is made up of fibrous tissues and fluids.
Sometimes, a fatty, keratinous substance that resembles cottage cheese is seen in the cyst. This is keratin cyst and has foot odor. The nature of the contents depends on the infection.
Causes of sebaceous cyst
- Blocked sebaceous glands
- Swollen hair follicles
- Excessive testosterone production
- Hereditary causes like gardener’s syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome
Symptoms
The main symptom is the presence of small, non painful lump beneath your skin. It becomes red, tender on infection. Some times a grayish-white, cheesy, foul smelling material may drain from the cyst.
Diagnosis
- Your doctor will examine the area where cyst is formed
- Biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions
Sebaceous cyst Treatment
- Sebaceous cysts generally do not require any treatment as they are not dangerous. You can place a warm moist cloth over the area and it will help drain the cyst.
- If you have a cyst which is inflamed, your doctor may inject some steroids to reduce the swelling
- If your cyst is tender, swollen or large, it may require surgery for sebaceous cyst removal
- Surgical excision of may be done for sebaceous cyst removal
- Oral dose of antibiotics may be given before and after the surgery for sebaceous cyst treatment
Possible complications seen in sebaceous cyst
- Cyst may become infected and form an abscess
- Cyst may return even after surgical sebaceous cyst removal
Cysts like epidermal cyst, vaginal cyst, and dermoid cyst are very commonly seen. Sebaceous cyst may occur on any part of your body. This article on sebaceous cyst gives you detailed information about sebaceous cyst.
About the Author
Dr. Tsou Jinyeu is a well known gynecologist and has been in this field since 1995. His special interests are – genetic and birth defects, high risk obstetrics, lupus in pregnancy, premature labour, premature delivery, triplets and ultrasound diagnosis. He is graduated from the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Nowdays he is working as a medical doctor at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health
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