What is Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Sebaceous cysts are small, painless lumps that form under the skin. They are usually harmless and can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the face, neck, and trunk. While they are not dangerous, they can be unsightly and uncomfortable for some people.

In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for sebaceous cysts. Understanding what causes sebaceous cysts and the symptoms they produce can help individuals identify and manage them effectively.

What is a Sebaceous Cyst?

A sebaceous cyst is a noncancerous, closed sac that forms under the skin. It is filled with oily or waxy material and can occur anywhere on the body, but is most commonly found on the face, neck, and trunk. Sebaceous cysts are typically benign and do not require treatment unless they become symptomatic or are causing cosmetic concerns. They can be caused by a ruptured follicle linked to acne, a sebaceous duct that doesn't grow correctly, injury to the area, or sometimes for no clear reason.

If a cyst becomes red or painful, treatment may be necessary, such as placing a warm compress over the area, draining it, injecting it with steroid medicine, or surgically removing it.

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Causes of Sebaceous Cyst

Sebaceous cyst is formed from the sebaceous gland present in our body. Sebaceous glands secrete oil which form a coating over hair and skin and develops as a cyst. Cysts occur when the passage from which the oil can pass has been damaged or blocked. This happens if there is any trauma to that area.

The trauma can be a scratch, acne, surgical wound, or skin disease. The cyst develops very slowly. It can be a month or two after you experience trauma in that area.

Other causes of sebaceous cyst include the following:

• Damage to the cells during any surgery
• Mishappen or deformed ducts
• Genetic reasons such as basal cell nerves syndrome or Gardner's syndrome.

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Symptoms of a Sebaceous Cyst

Symptoms of a sebaceous cyst can include a small, painless lump beneath the skin that grows slowly and is often found on the face, neck, or trunk. Sebaceous cysts are typically benign and do not require treatment unless they become symptomatic or are causing cosmetic concerns.

However, if a cyst becomes infected, symptoms may include skin redness, tenderness, and foul-smelling drainage. Other symptoms of a sebaceous cyst that may require medical attention include

• cyst with a diameter larger than 5 centimeters
• a fast rate of reoccurrence after being removed
• signs of infection such as redness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider.

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Common Tests Used For Identifying a Sebaceous Cyst

A sebaceous cyst can be diagnosed using one of the following methods:

1) CT Scans

CT scan can help your doctor examine the characteristics of your cyst and find out the best way to treat it.

2) Ultrasounds

An ultrasound can help in identifying the contents of the cyst.

3) Punch biopsy

Punch biopsy involves taking out a small amount of tissue from the cyst to examine in a laboratory for any signs of cancer.

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Treatment of a Sebaceous Cyst

Your doctor can treat it by draining the pus out of the cyst or removing it through surgery. The best treatment is to remove it by surgery because the risk of recurrence is higher in other treatments. Doctors usually adopt one of the following methods for removal of a sebaceous cyst:

1) Conventional wide excision

This completely removes the cyst by surgery, but it may leave a long scar. There is no chance of recurrence with this surgery.

2) Minimal excision

This method causes minimal scarring, but there might be a risk of getting the cyst again.

3) Punch biopsy excision

With the help of a laser, a small hole is made and contents of the cyst are drained completely.

After the treatment, the doctor gives you an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You have to use this until your healing process is completed. You can also ask for scar cream from your doctor so that if any surgical scars are left, they can be reduced.

Prevention of Sebaceous Cysts

The best thing you can do to prevent a sebaceous cyst is to avoid causing any traumas or stress to the affected area that may cause it. Avoid getting hit or scratched. If you find any acne, do get it treated by a dermatologist. There are no medicines to prevent sebaceous cysts. You can control it from recurrence after surgery. You must apply antibiotic ointments after the surgery to prevent any infection.

Conclusion

Sebaceous cysts are not cancerous or dangerous but can become very large, painful and uncomfortable, if left untreated. If you get complete surgical removal, there is only a 1% chance of reoccurrence of the cyst.

References

1. Lydia Krause .December 10 2021. Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and More

2. Johns Hopkins Team, Sebaceous Cysts.