Sebaceous cysts are defined as the abnormal sacs that contain oil or cheese-like excretion called sebum and form benign swellings under one’s skin. These cysts are generally slow in formation and they tend to appear as bumps on the ears, face, back, groin area and scalp. They are formed when the hair follicles swell as well as when the skin undergoes any trauma. The skin produces the protein keratin, which is normally filled in the sacs that are cysts. Although they are normally harmless and non-painful, the cysts may grow tender and become inflamed at times.
The causes of the cysts are varied. While majority of them are caused by swelling of the hair follicle, others may occur due to the blockage of the sebaceous glands. The cysts may also be triggered by the production of excess testosterone. They may also be hereditary and there are two kinds of this under the sebaceous cysts: basal cell nevus syndrome and the Gardner’s syndrome.
The symptoms of sebaceous cysts are seen in the small, painless lumps which form underneath the skin. These are sometimes movable. The lumps however may become painful when infected and this causes tenderness and redness on the infected areas. This might also be characterized by the increase of temperature within the infected area. When pressed, the cyst may produce a grayish-white, foul-smelling substance. This is the result of their keratin content which is a fatty protein deposited in the sacs.
They are normally more common on hairy surfaces and may result in loss of hair on the surfaces on which they occur. In men, they usually develop on the chest and scrotum. However, they neither occur on the feet’s soles nor on the palms. Apart from keratin, these cysts contain viscous fluids and fibrous tissues. They may produce serosanguineous fluids which have purulent and bloody substances.
These cysts may be detected through the medical examination by the doctor as they are normally visible. However, in some cases, a biopsy is carried out to eliminate other conditions with similar symptoms. Since sebaceous cysts are not as dangerous, they can be ignored as they will not cause any harm. Some people treat it by compressing the cyst using a warm damp cloth to drain out its contents for it to heal. For the small, infected and inflamed cyst, the doctors use steroids in injection form to lessen swelling.
On the other hand, when the cyst grows in size and becomes tender and swollen, the doctor may have to perform minor surgery in order to remove it. This procedure does not require theatrical services and is often performed in doctors’ offices. If the cyst is removed as a whole, it will not recur unless the patient is highly susceptible to them. If fragmentation occurs during the operation may cause recurring of the cyst. This can be countered by using curettage to take out the remaining fragments which are exposed. These pieces are then burnt using an electro-cauterization instrument so as to obliterate them.
Although the cysts may not seem harmful, people are advised to seek medical care if they recur. They should also request their physicians to test them for any pre-cancerous conditions.
