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 include:
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:
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.
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
If you are diagnosed with an epidermal cyst, follow your doctor's instructions .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www.aad.org/
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://www.aafp.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english/
Dermatologists.ca
http://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. Fitzpatrick’s Dermatology in General Medicine. Vol 1. 5th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Health Professions Division; 1999: 884-885.
Habif TP. Habif’s 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 November 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD
Please 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.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.