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Alternative names Return to top
Epidermal cyst; Keratin cyst; Epidermoid cystDefinition Return to top
A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac found just under the skin containing "pasty" or "cheesy" looking skin secretions.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles. Skin trauma can also induce a cyst to form. A sac of cells is created into which a protein called keratin is secreted.
These cysts are usually found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are usually slow- growing, painless, freely movable lumps beneath the skin. Occasionally, however, a cyst will become inflamed and tender.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
In most cases, your physician can diagnose a cyst based on its appearance. Occasionally, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions with a similar appearance.
Treatment Return to top
Sebaceous cysts are not dangerous and can usually be ignored. At times, they may become inflamed and tender. Others may grow large and interfere with day-to-day life. In these cases, you can have them surgically removed in a physician's office. Alternatively, small inflamed cysts can be treated by injection of steroid medications.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Most cysts may be ignored or treated with simple surgery.Complications Return to top
These cysts may occasionally become infected and form into painful abscesses. Recurrence after excision is also not unusual.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if you notice any new growths on your body. Though cysts are not dangerous, your doctor should examine you to ensure that skin cancer is not present. Update Date: 8/15/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |