A sebaceous cyst is a term commonly used to refer to:
- Epidermoid cysts (also called epidermal cysts , infundibular cysts ), or
- Pillar cysts (also called trichelemmal cysts , ismus-catagen germs ).
Both types of cysts above contain keratin, not sebum, and not from the sebaceous glands. Epidermoid cysts are derived from the epidermis and pillar cysts derived from hair follicles. Therefore, technically they are not sebaceous cysts. "True" sebaceous cysts, cysts derived from sebaceous glands and those containing sebum, are relatively rare and are known as simplex steatocystoma or, if multiple, as a multiplex steatocystoma.
Medical experts have suggested that the term sebaceous cyst is avoided because it can be misleading. But in practice, this term is still often used for epidermoid cysts and pillars.
Video Sebaceous cyst
Signs and symptoms
The scalp, ears, back, face, and upper arms, are common places of sebaceous cysts, although they can occur anywhere in the body except the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. In men the common place for them to develop is the scrotum and the chest. They are more common in hairier areas, where in case of long duration they can result in hair loss on the skin surface immediately above the cyst. They are smooth to the touch, vary in size, and are generally round in shape.
They are generally cellular masses that can consist of:
- Fluid and fiber tissue,
- A fatty substance (keratinous) that resembles cottage cheese, in which case the cyst can be called "keratin cyst". This material has a distinctive "cheesy" odor or smell of feet,
- The liquid is rather thick and serosanguinous (containing purulent and bloody material).
The nature of the contents of sebaceous cysts, and surrounding capsules, differs depending on whether the cyst has ever been infected.
With surgery, a cyst can usually be cut entirely. Poor surgical techniques, or previous infections that cause scarring and cyst retardation to adjacent tissues, can lead to rupture of excision and removal. Cysts that are completely removed will not recur, although if the patient has a predisposing cyst formation, the cyst may further develop in the same general area.
Maps Sebaceous cyst
Cause
Clogged sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles, high testosterone levels, and the use of androgenic anabolic steroids will cause such cysts.
A case has been reported regarding sebaceous cysts caused by human botfly.
The causes of hereditary sebaceous cysts include Gardner's syndrome and basal cell nevus syndrome.
Type
Epidermoid Cyst
Pillar cyst
Approximately 90% of pillar cysts occur on the scalp, with the rest occasionally occurring on the face, trunk and extremities. Pillar cysts are significantly more common in women, and the tendency to develop these cysts is often inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. In many cases, several pillar cysts appear at once.
Treatment
Sebaceous cysts generally do not require medical care. However, if they continue to grow, they may become unsightly, painful, infected, or all of the above.
Surgery
Surgical excision of a sebaceous cyst is a simple procedure for lifting the sac and its contents.
There are three common approaches used: traditional width excision, minimal excision, and excision of biopsy blows.
A typical outpatient surgical procedure to remove a cyst is to shut down the area around the cyst with local anesthesia, then use a scalpel to open the lesion by cutting only one in the middle of the swelling, or cutting the ovals on either side of the center. If the cyst is small, it may even be stabbed. The person performing the operation will squeeze the keratin around the cyst, then use a blunt-headed scissors or other instrument to hold the incision wide open while using a finger or pliers to try to remove the intact cyst. If the cyst can be removed intact, the "healing rate" is 100%. However, if it is fragmented and can not be fully recovered, the operator can use a curette (abrasive) to remove the remaining exposed fragments, then burn them with an electro-cautery device, in an attempt to destroy them. In such cases, the cyst may recur. In both cases, the incision is then disinfected and, if necessary, the skin is sewn back together on it. Scars are likely to occur.
Infected cysts may require oral antibiotics or other treatments before or after excision. If pus has been formed then incision and drainage should be performed simultaneously with cyst wall avulsion with appropriate antibiotic coverage.
Approaches involving incisions, not excision, have also been proposed.
References
External links
- Overview at the University of Maryland Medical Center
- Epidermal Inclusion Cyst in eMedicine
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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