11 Things About Sebaceous Cysts that Women Should Know

11 Things About Sebaceous Cysts that Women Should Know

Sebaceous cysts are growths that develop from a type of skin gland that produces oil. These cysts are characterized by a sac-like structure that contains fatty matter, sebum, hair follicles, sweat glands, or other body secretions, all enclosed within a wall that is made up of the components of the skin, such as hair follicle openings, sebaceous ducts, or sweat glands. Sebaceous cysts can appear as pouches because of blockages in the openings of these various glands or from the entrapment of skin cells within the dermis layer, which can occur after skin trauma, inflammation, or during fetal development. Cysts that develop from this latter mechanism are present from birth.

There are different types of sebaceous cysts, each with their distinct characteristics depending on their location and composition. Sebaceous cysts that have a wall that resembles the skin structure are called Epidermal Cysts, Milium, Steatocystoma Multiplex, Vellus Hair Cyst, and Dermoid Cyst. On the other hand, cysts that are composed of sweat gland structures are called Apocrine and Eccrine Hidrocystoma.

Epidermal cysts:

The most common types of cysts that occur on the skin. They form on the hair follicles and consist of keratin, which is a substance similar to the material found in hair and nails. These cysts are round and vary in size, and they have the same color as the surrounding skin. They are attached to the upper layer of the skin but not to the underlying tissue, and they may have an opening on the skin's surface where the cyst is attached. When the skin is pulled tight, a small bump may be visible on the cyst in this area, and if squeezed, a white substance similar to cottage cheese may come out. However, squeezing should not be used as a diagnostic method because it can cause the cyst to become inflamed, painful, and red. Epidermal cysts can occur in individuals of all ages and genders and on any part of the body, but they are commonly found on the face, neck, chest, and upper back.

Milium:

A type of cyst that has a similar structure and composition to an epidermal cyst, but is smaller in size. It appears as a small, white, hard bump that is located near the surface of the skin and has a central pore of approximately 1-2 mm. This type of cyst can occur at any age, from newborns to the elderly, and is equally common in both males and females. It is often found on the face, particularly on the nose in newborns, as well as on the eyelids and cheeks in children. Additionally, milium can also occur in areas of the skin that have been damaged previously, such as in areas with scars or after sunburn. Milium can also develop after a skin condition that causes clear, fluid-filled bumps or in areas where steroids have been applied for an extended period of time. Milium is most commonly found when the skin has experienced various types of damage, which may lead to the development of whiteheads.

Steatocystoma Multiplex:

A type of cyst that develops in the sebaceous ducts, which are the tubes that connect to the oil glands in the skin. The wall of this cyst is similar in appearance to that of an epidermal cyst, but the substance contained within the cyst is not keratin, but rather oil produced by the oil glands. This type of cyst is often found in adolescents and adults of both genders and appears as small, subcutaneous bumps that vary in size but are usually less than 5 cm. These cysts can be found on any part of the body, but are more commonly found on the central chest, upper arms, and thighs. When these cysts are near the surface of the skin, they appear as yellowish bumps, while deeper cysts may appear as a single flesh-colored lump.

Vellus Hair Cyst:

A small cyst that contains a wall and substance inside the cyst similar to Epidermal Cyst and Steatocystoma Multiplex, but with small vellus hairs enclosed within the cyst. This causes the cyst to have a dark-colored appearance and this type of cyst often occurs in multiple bumps throughout the body.

Dermoid Cyst:

A rare type of cyst that is often present from birth or in childhood and is the type of cyst that has the most components similar to the skin. The cyst's walls consist of skin cells, hair, sweat glands, and oil glands. The cyst is a round lump under the skin, about 1-4 cm in size and may have hair protruding from it. It is commonly found in the eyebrow area, nose, and scalp. If this type of cyst is located in the middle of the body, such as in the nose or back of the head, it may have an open connection to the brain.

Due to the fact that the walls of sebaceous cysts are composed of cells that produce skin, there is a chance that they could develop into cancer, just like normal skin cells. However, the incidence of cancer developing from sebaceous cysts is very low, so there is no need to worry excessively. Complications that may arise from sebaceous cysts are usually related to inflammation and infection, which often occur when the cyst ruptures due to puncture or pressure, or when the cyst is in a location that is frequently irritated. This causes the substances inside the cyst to leak out and stimulates an inflammatory response in the body, allowing bacteria on the skin to infiltrate and grow in the cyst, leading to enlargement, redness, and pain.

Treatment:

Since sebaceous cysts are benign and have a low risk of developing into cancer, it is not necessary to remove them surgically. However, it is advisable to remove the cyst if it is frequently infected or there is a chance of infection due to the cyst being in a frequently rubbed area. For small cysts located close to the surface, such as Milium, treatment can be provided by puncturing the cyst and using a tool to extract the material inside. Other types of sebaceous cysts can be treated by surgical removal, while Steatocystoma can be treated by using a needle to puncture and extract the oil inside the cyst and peeling off the cyst wall. If the cyst is infected, it must be treated with antibiotics in conjunction with surgical removal to drain the pus. For Dermoid Cysts located near the brain, a thorough examination and computerized tomography scan must be done before treatment to prevent complications.

Sebaceous cysts are generally nothing to worry about, as the risk of them developing into cancer is very low. However, regardless of the type of cyst or if one is unsure if it is a cyst, it is best to have a dermatologist diagnose it for peace of mind. It is important not to squeeze or puncture the cyst yourself as it can cause infection and lead to a wound.