Sebaceous
Cyst.
Sebaceous Cysts – The Facts
Sebaceous
What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
The term “sebaceous cyst” is fine and we all know what we’re talking about. There are two types of sebaceous cyst: Epidermal cyst that originates from the upper layer of skin (epidermis), and Pilar cyst that originates from hair follicles. It’s mainly pathologists that worry about these differences. In practice, they both appear very similar – as a firm skin coloured lump.
The cysts are made up of a wall that contains a fluid called sebum. The sebum is the same consistency as toothpaste, yellowish in colour, and doesn’t smell very nice!
Who gets them?
Sebaceous cysts are twice as common in men as women, and tend to present in early adulthood to middle age.
Multiple cysts are a rare pointer to an underlying genetic condition such as Gardner Syndrome or Basal Cell nevus syndrome.
Please note that we do not specialise in Sebaceous Cyst removal.
This information is provided for informational purposes only. Please see your GP to recommend a doctor to remove a cyst.
What does sebaceous cyst look like?
Naked Eye
How do I know it’s a sebaceous cyst?
Let’s describe a sebaceous cyst that has not ruptured or become infected.
The lump will look skin coloured. The feel of the lump is at least as important as the look of it. The lump is fairly firm but not usually hard. The lump almost feels “underneath” the skin and you’ll be able to move the lump around.
There may be a tiny central plug at the top of the cyst. This is punctum represents the follicle from which the cyst developed.
The main alternative diagnosis to a sebaceous cyst is a lipoma. A lipoma is a benign fatty growth. The lipoma is usually softer and a little deeper than a cyst. The surface of a large lipoma may feel a little lumpy because the benign tumour consists of lumps of fat.
Gallery of sebaceous cyst
Please click on the images for details.
Why do they matter?
What happens if a cyst becomes inflamed?
It is very difficult to tell a ruptured cyst apart from an infected cyst. The cyst tender, red and probably be discharging.
The inflammation caused by either rupture or infection may break down the cyst wall to the extent that the cyst does not reoccur.
More commonly, though, the cyst comes back. A cyst that has been previously inflamed will be scarred and be more difficult to remove. The minimally invasive technique is then not possible.
Treatment for Sebaceous cyst
Is Sebaceous cyst removal needed?
The decision to get one removed is an individual decision for the person to make. These are the sorts of things to take into account:
- How much the cyst bothers them cosmetically.
- Cyst removal is not generally covered by medicare.
- Removal always leaves a scar although minimally invasive techniques leaves the smallest scar
- Whether the cyst “gets in the way” – such as brushing hair or putting on clothing
- Concern about a tumour – though extremely unlikely
- There is a small risk of a cyst becoming spontaneously infected or perforating
- Previously infected or ruptured cysts are difficult to remove and the result may not be that great
- How many there are – there can be stacks of them and they do take time to remove
- Cysts usually stay for life – they rarely go on their own
There are small risks involved with excision:
- There is a small risk of recurrence after a cyst is removed
- There is a small risk of infection or bleeding after excision (this is quite unusual)
Please note that South East Skin Clinic does not specialise in Sebaceous cyst removal. This information is provided for general information.
Please Telephone us for any enquiries