Sebaceous cyst

Content

Causes

Symptoms

Exams and Tests

Treatment

Possible Complications

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Alternative Names

A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with a cheese-like or oily material.

Causes

Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles. Skin trauma can also cause a cyst to form. A sac of cells is created into which a protein called keratin is secreted.

Symptoms

The main symptom is usually a small, non-painful lump beneath the skin. The lump is usually found on the face, neck and trunk. It usually grows slowly and is not painful.

If the lump becomes infected or inflamed, other symptoms may include:

• Skin redness
• Tender or sore skin
• Warm skin in the affected area
• Grayish-white, cheesy, foul-smelling material that drains from the cyst

Exams and Tests

In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis by examining your skin. Sometimes, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions.

Treatment

Sebaceous cysts are not dangerous and can usually be ignored. Placing a warm moist cloth (compress) over the area may help the cyst drain and heal.

If you have a small inflamed cyst, your doctor may inject it with a steroid medicine that reduces swelling.

If the cyst becomes swollen, tender, or large, your doctor may drain it or perform surgery to remove it.

Possible Complications

Cysts may become infected and form painful abscesses.

Cysts may return, even after they are surgically removed.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you notice any new growths on your body. Although cysts are not dangerous, your doctor should examine you for signs of skin cancer.

Alternative Names

Epidermal cyst; Keratin cyst; Epidermoid cyst; Epidermal inclusion cyst

Источник: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000842.htm