Sebaceous Cyst Causes, Treatments & More
Article Sources
- 1. Publishing, Harvard Health. 'Sebaceous Cysts.' Harvard Health, Dec. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/a to z/sebaceous-cysts-a-to-z.
- 2. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, et al. 'Sebaceous Gland.' Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/science/sebaceous-gland.
- 3. 'Sebaceous Cysts: Treatment & Cause.' Sebaceous Cysts, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts.
- 4. 'Anesthesia' NHS Choices, NHS, 14 June 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaesthesia/#:~:text=local
- 5. 'Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.' _Mayo Clinic_, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-carcinoma/cdc-20352957.
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms underneath the skin or inside the body. Although it may look intimidating on the skin, cysts are seldom cancerous. Oil gland cysts found under the skin of the face, scalp, ears, back or lower hindquarters are sebaceous cysts.
Sebaceous cysts could be mistaken for a boil or skin abscess that may require medical treatment. Any lump found on the skin needs examination by a doctor to diagnose whether it’s a cyst or a boil. Cysts are very common and often resolve on their own. Overall, the prognosis for most is favorable.1Publishing, Harvard Health. ‘Sebaceous Cysts.’ Harvard Health, Dec. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/a to z/sebaceous-cysts-a-to-z.
1. What Is a Sebaceous Cyst?
The sebaceous glands exist throughout the entire body except under the feet and the palms of the hand. These small, oil-producing glands attach to hair follicles and release sebum, an essential skin oil. If the opening of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, the trapped sebum can produce a sebaceous cyst.2The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, et al. ‘Sebaceous Gland.’ Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 20 July 1998, www.britannica.com/science/sebaceous-gland.
Sebaceous cysts grow slowly, creating a white or yellowish lump that moves easily when pushed. Sebaceous cysts are rarely dangerous, but symptoms of redness, swelling or drainage require an exam to check for possible infection. These cysts are usually small, with some occasionally growing as large as a golf ball.
2. Diagnosing a Sebaceous Cyst
A doctor may ask the patient when they first noticed the lump, what size it was when they spotted it and if the area hurts. The doctor will look for any bad-smelling drainage from the lump.
A visual exam usually provides enough evidence for a doctor to diagnose the lump as a sebaceous cyst. Still, any unusual signs may require additional tests to rule out cancer or other skin conditions, including an ultrasound to check the contents of the cyst and a punch biopsy, which removes a small piece of tissue.3‘Sebaceous Cysts: Treatment & Cause.’ Sebaceous Cysts, Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts.
3. Sebaceous Cyst Treatments
Treatment for a sebaceous cyst depends on its size and symptoms. When the cyst is not causing any symptoms and remains small, treatment may not be necessary. If the cyst becomes irritated or swollen, the doctor may suggest a warm compress placed over the area.
An inflamed and swollen cyst may require more intense treatment. The doctor can inject a steroid medication into the cyst to reduce the swelling. If a sebaceous cyst continues to grow and is tender, drainage or surgical removal is possible. Many cysts disappear on their own without any treatment.
4. What Kind of Doctor Removes Sebaceous Cysts?
A general practitioner can diagnose and care for a sebaceous cyst, prescribing non-invasive treatments when needed. However, if the cyst is suspicious looking or located in a bothersome area such as the scalp, face or neck, the doctor may refer the patient to a dermatologist for examination.
A dermatologist can perform a punch biopsy to check for cancer. Once the results are back, they can suggest treatment. If the cyst is benign, drainage or lancing is an option to reduce the discomfort.
5. Is Surgery for a Sebaceous Cyst Dangerous?
Surgical removal of a cyst is an outpatient procedure and rarely causes complications. Sebaceous cyst removal involves an excision procedure that lasts approximately 30 minutes. The numbing medication injected in the area of the cyst is usually lidocaine and epinephrine, which deaden the nerves surrounding the cyst.4‘Anesthesia’ NHS Choices, NHS, 14 June 2018, www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaesthesia/#:~:text=local
The dermatologist takes a complete medical history before the procedure to ensure there are no possible interactions or adverse side effects of the numbing medication. Cyst removal does not require general anesthesia, so there is no need for intubation or oxygen.
6. Will Surgery Leave a Scar?
During a cyst removal, the dermatologist marks the area around the cyst and numbs the area. Using a small scalpel, they cut a circle around the area and remove the cyst. When complete, the dermatologist stitches underneath the incision and on the surface to close the wound.
The closure after excision involves marking the area around the wound with a diamond-type shape. The shape assists the surgeon in closing the skin to prevent an indent or malformed scar. As the skin heals, it leaves a smooth scar that lightens over time.
7. Will the Sebaceous Cyst Grow Back After Surgery?
It’s not common for a sebaceous cyst to return after surgical removal. In rare cases when the cyst biopsy reveals cancerous cells, the diagnosis is sebaceous carcinoma, typically occurring on the eyelids.
Sebaceous carcinoma always requires surgical removal, such as MOHS surgery performed by a dermatologist. This surgery involves progressively removing layers of skin and biopsying them for cancer. Once the biopsy comes back negative, the surgery is complete. The chances of the cyst returning or cancer spreading is minimal.5‘Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 28 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sebaceous-carcinoma/cdc-20352957.
8. Can I Pop or Remove a Sebaceous Cyst Myself?
Trying to pop or squeeze a sebaceous cyst at home is dangerous. If the cyst bursts and drains, an infection could occur. Untreated infections create the possibility of more dangerous repercussions. Plus, it’s likely the cyst will grow back from sebum left in the sac.
A sebaceous cyst includes cells making up the wall of the cyst. Even if drained, the wall of the cyst continues to refill the empty pocket. Causing a cyst to burst may provide temporary relief but damages the skin and increases the likelihood of scarring.
9. Facts About Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts can form at any age, and they are not contagious. A sebaceous cyst can resolve on its own but, left untreated, could become permanent. These cysts found under the skin are rarely cancerous but, if they become troublesome, a doctor needs to examine the cyst and determine if treatment is necessary.
Sebaceous glands usually occur with hair follicles, making these cysts more common on the scalp, where the most hair is located. Sebaceous cysts that occur in people with acne can be prevented by keeping acne under control.
10. When to Contact a Medical Professional
When a new lump develops under the skin, a doctor should examine the growth promptly. The lump may be harmless but, it’s safer to have a professional determine what it is. Researching online may lead to a faulty self-diagnosis.
The lump or cyst may be a cosmetic concern, or it could be causing pain and anxiety. In the very rare case that a cyst is found to be cancerous, prompt treatment is crucial to a positive outcome.
