En Espaol (Spanish Version) 
Definition
An epidermal cyst is a firm, slow-growing lump underneath the skin. This cyst contains soft, cheesy-like skin secretions. These usually appear on the scalp, face, neck, chest, upper back, genitals, or behind the ears.
Causes
Causes include:
- Blockage of a hair follicle by skin cellsWhen an injury to the skin occurs, cells from the surface may block hair follicles located deeper within the skin.
- Damage to a hair follicle due to acne
- Blockage or defect of the sebaceous glandThis gland is near the hair follicle. It secretes oily material used to lubricate the skin and hair.
Hair Follicle
2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc.
Risk Factors
Acne and skin injuries increase your risk of developing an epidermal cyst.
Symptoms
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a cyst. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
- Small, dome-shaped lump beneath the skin
- Foul-smelling, cheesy-like material draining from the cyst
- Redness or tenderness on or around the cyst if it becomes inflamed
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. In most cases, the diagnosis can be made by looking at it. You may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin disorders.
TreatmentTalk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:Surgical excisionThe doctor removes the entire cyst, including its contents and cyst wall.Surgical drainageThis involves cutting open the cyst, draining the contents, and removing the cyst wall. The cyst might come back, though.Steroid injectionThis involves injecting steroids into the cyst to reduce inflammation. The cyst is not removed, though.AntibioticsThese may be prescribed to reduce the risk of an infection after surgery or drainage. PreventionThere is no way to prevent an epidermal cyst. If any of the cyst wall is left behind after drainage, the cyst may come back. If this happens, your doctor may decide to remove the cyst using surgery. RESOURCES: American Academy of Dermatologyhttp://www.aad.org/ American Academy of Family Physicianshttp://www.aafp.org/ CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dermatology Associationhttp://www.dermatology.ca/english/ Dermatologists.cahttp://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html/ References: Common benign cutaneous growths: seborrheic keratoses, cherry hemangiomas, and epidermal cysts. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/professionals/Residents/MedStudCoreCurr/DCBenignCutaneousG.htm . Accessed September 4, 2005.
Cysts. DermNet NZ website. Available at: http://dermnetnz.org/lesions/cysts.html. Updated March 2008. Accessed June 17, 2008. Freedberg IM, Eisen AZ. Fitzpatricks Dermatology in General Medicine. Vol 1. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Health Professions Division; 1999: 884-885. Habif TP. Habifs Clinical Dermatology . 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby; 2004. Odom RB, James WD. Andrews Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company: A Harcourt Health Sciences Company; 2000: 862-863. Sebaceous cyst. National Library of Medicine, Medline Plus website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000842.htm . Updated April 2007. Accessed September 2, 2005. Zuber TJ. Minimal excision technique for epidermal (sebaceous) cysts. American Family Physician . 2002;65:1409-1412. Last reviewed January 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
CONTRIBUTE TO THIS STORY
