2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Hair follicle anatomy
Hair follicle anatomy

Sebaceous cyst
Definition:
A closed sac found just under the skin containing "pasty" or "cheesy" looking skin secretions.

Alternative Names:
Epidermal cyst; Keratin cyst; Epidermoid cyst

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

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:
  • usually a nontender, small lump beneath the skin
  • redness, tenderness, or increased temperature of the skin over the area may occur infection
  • grayish white, cheesy, foul smelling material may drain from the cyst
Signs and tests:

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:

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):
Most cysts may be ignored or treated with simple surgery.
Complications:
These cysts may occasionally become infected and form into painful abscesses. Recurrence after excision is also not unusual.
Calling your health care provider:
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.
Review Date: 11/10/2001
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com