Sebaceous Epidermoid Cysts: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr.Meenu Malik, 2 mins read

Sebaceous cysts are usually noncancerous slow-growing lumps that develop beneath the skin, especially on the scalp, face, ears, trunk, back or groin area. These represent the common cutaneous cysts. Though they are harmless, they may contain liquid or semiliquid material.

If they go unchecked and untreated, they may become uncomfortable. Other than medical reasons, they also affect the aesthetics. So, doctors often recommend removing them.

Symptoms
Small cysts are usually not painful. They are typically round and may be skin coloured or yellow. With time, they grow in size and may become uncomfortable and painful. Sebaceous cysts can rarely be cancerous.

Causes
Sebaceous cysts develop when the sebaceous gland becomes damaged or blocked. The sebaceous gland is responsible for producing oil (sebum) that coats the hair and skin. Many of the cysts may be sporadic in onset.

A scratch, a surgical wound, a skin condition like acne, or any kind of trauma can lead to this problem. You may see the cyst after some weeks or months of the trauma.

Some other factors can also lead to this condition, such as:

• Hormonal changes
• Genetic conditions like Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome

Diagnosis
The diagnosis usually starts with a physical examination. If the doctor finds it unusual, he may suggest some other tests. You may also require additional tests if you are advised for surgical removal of the sebaceous cysts. These tests may include a CT scan, ultrasound and biopsy.

Treatment
Mostly, sebaceous cysts resolve on their own and don’t need treatment. But they can also come back. If the cyst is causing any problems and recurring, then removing them is the best option.

This can be done through one of the following techniques:

Conventional wide excision: The doctor completely removes the cyst. However, it can leave a long scar.

Minimal excision: The doctor removes the sebaceous cysts through a procedure that leaves minimal scarring. However, it carries the risk of recurrence of the cyst.

Laser with punch biopsy excision: The doctor uses a laser to drain the cyst’s content through a small hole. The outer walls of the cyst are removed after a month.

After the procedure, you may need to take antibiotic ointment until the healing process is completed. A scar cream may help reduce the appearance of surgical scars.

Also, intralesional injection of triamcinolone has been useful in some cases owing to its anti-inflammatory properties and it may even elevate or delay the need for surgical removal.