SEBACEOUS CYST

General Information

DEFINITION--A dome-shaped cyst filled with semisolid material (keratin, the same material that forms skin, hair and nails). The name sebaceous cyst is in error, because a real sebaceous cyst would be filled with material called sebum and manufactured in hair follicles.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin of the trunk, face, neck and scalp.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adolescents and adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

A cyst with the following characteristics:

• The cyst has sloped shoulders or a dome-shaped, nodular appearance and a smooth surface.
• The cyst is whitish or skin-colored.
• Cysts range from 1cm to 4cm in diameter.
• If the cyst becomes injured or infected, it may become bright red and painful.

CAUSES--Sebaceous cysts are caused by plugged ducts in malformed hair follicles. They may enlarge from hormonal stimulation or injury.

RISK INCREASES WITH

• Skin injury.
• Hormonal stimulation at puberty.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care.
• Doctor's treatment.
• Cysts can be removed through a simple incision in the skin lying over the cyst, the sac is removed and the incision is stitched with sutures. If the entire cyst wall is removed, recurrence is unlikely.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

• Infection of a cyst.
• Injury to a cyst, causing rupture or inflammation.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Cysts that cause no symptoms require no medical treatment. Those that are unsightly or are repeatedly injured can be removed.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES----Before surgery, apply warm compresses to the cyst to reduce inflammation and size.

MEDICATION--Medicine usually is not necessary for this disorder. If a cyst becomes infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• After removal, signs of infection (pain, redness, warmth and increased tenderness) occur at the surgical site.
• Fever of 101F (38.3C) or higher develops.
• The treated area does not appear to be healing well within 1 week.
• You are taking antibiotics, and new, unexplained symptoms develop. Antibiotics may produce side effects.