Both types of cysts are flesh-colored or white-yellow and have a smooth surface. [2] X Research source Epidermoid cysts are more common. These are slow growing and often painless. They don’t usually require treatment, unless they are causing pain or become infected. Pilar cysts are composed primarily of keratin (the protein that makes up hair and nails) and form from the outer hair root sheath, typically on the head. [3] X Trustworthy Source DermNet NZ Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health Go to source A pilar cyst is often thought to be another term for a sebaceous cysts, but they are in fact different. Sebaceous cysts are commonly found in the hair follicles on the head. They form inside the glands that secrete sebum, an oily substance that coats the hair. When these normal secretions are trapped, they develop into a pouch containing a cheese-like substance. They are commonly found in areas near the neck, upper back, and on the scalp. [4] X Research source Sebaceous cysts are often confused with pilar or epidermoid cysts.
Smooth, easily movable lump with distinct edges Pain or tenderness over the lump Size and tenderness will increase just before your period starts Size and tenderness will decrease when your period ends
In a case study written in the Royal College of Surgeons of England, the authors presented two cases in which melanoma and a deep oral cavity were originally mistaken for a sebaceous cyst. There are a variety of other infectious processes that may be mistaken for a sebaceous cyst, including boils, furuncles and carbuncles.
There is no known cause at this time for cysts that develop in the breast tissue. Doctors do not have a clear answer about the risk factors and prevention for Cystic acne but it is believed to be related to increasing hormonal levels in puberty and pregnancy and deep infections from hair follicles plugged by sebum (oil on the skin). [13] X Research source
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there is no effective means of preventing an epidermoid cyst from forming. [15] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source However, there are groups of people who appear to be at greater risk for developing them: more men than women, acne sufferers, and people who spend a long time in the sun. [16] X Research source People who have suffered hand injury are more likely to experience an epidermoid or ganglion cyst on the hand. Bartholin gland cysts can occur after injury to the area at the opening to the vagina.
Shaving and waxing may also be responsible for cyst formation. Avoid excessive shaving and waxing in areas where you have already gotten cysts to prevent reformation or new cysts.
If the cyst causes pain or discomfort with walking or intercourse, medical care is needed to treat the cyst.
Cystic acne responds better to ice than it does to heat. Bartholin gland cysts can be treated at home using warm water sitz baths. This involves sitting in several inches of warm water to encourage the cyst to drain.
Incision and drainage (I & D) is a simple procedure where the physician makes a 2-3 mm cut in the cyst and gently expresses the contents of the cyst. This can be done in the office for skin cysts, such as epidermoid and sebaceous cysts and surface pilonidal cysts which are not deep or infected if necessary. I & D can be used for breast cysts, ganglion cysts, testicular or bartholin gland cysts on an outpatient basis using either general or local anesthesia. However, there is a higher incidence of recurrence when the cyst wall is not removed. In an incision and drainage the wall cannot be removed. A minimal excision technique will remove the wall of the cyst and the cheesy center material. [23] X Trustworthy Source American Academy of Family Physicians Organization devoted to improving the health of patients, families, and communities Go to source The cyst is opened and drained before the cyst wall is pulled out. Sutures may or may not be necessary, depending upon the size of the incision. This technique will be the treatment of choice for breast cysts, testicular cysts, bartholin gland cysts, and ganglion cysts. Surgical excisions are very rarely done for cystic acne. Surgical excision is generally done under local anesthesia and often as an outpatient procedure, while general anesthesia is used for children. Laser removal is an option for only epidermoid cysts when they are large or are in an area where the skin is thick. It entails opening the cyst with a laser and gently expressing the the fluid inside. One month later a minimal incision is made to pull out the cyst wall. This gives good cosmetic results in cases where the cyst is not inflamed or infected. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you notice a cyst through two or three menstrual periods that does not resolve spontaneously, or increases in size, your doctor may order an ultrasound. Your physician may recommend oral contraception to regulate your menstrual cycle hormones. This treatment is only used in women with severe symptoms. Surgical removal is necessary only when the cysts are uncomfortable, have blood-tinged or green-colored fluid on aspiration, or the physician believes there may be a non-benign growth pattern. In this case the entire cyst will be removed with anesthesia as an incision and drainage technique would leave the capsule and increase the risk the cyst will reappear.
Accutane is an effective medication that helps manage acne. However, may cause serious side effects, such as birth defects, can increase the risk of depression and suicide, and can affect your lipid levels, liver function, blood sugar, and white blood cell count. You will need to have blood tests done once monthly to monitor your response to the medication. [28] X Research source Women must be on two forms of contraception to take Accutane.
If symptoms are not relieved through nonsurgical methods (needle aspiration or immobilization), or the cyst returns after aspiration, your doctor may recommend a surgical excision of the cyst also known as total ganglionectomy. During excision part of the involved tendon or joint capsule will also be removed. There is a small chance that the cyst will return even after complete removal. This is a surgical procedure done under local anesthesia and is often an outpatient procedure.
Surgical incision and drainage will be used if the gland is very large or infected and sitz baths are not effective. Local anesthesia or sedation will be used. A catheter will remain in the gland to keep it open for up to six weeks to allow for complete drainage. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat the infection.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia does not initially recommend surgery for their adolescents. Instead, they recommend that the young men learn to do self-examinations and report any changes or increases in size which may indicate the need for surgical treatment. Cysts in children often resolve on their own. Percutaneous sclerotherapy is an option that reduces the risks of surgery to the scrotum and has had good results in research. [33] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Using ultrasound to guide the injection of a sclerosing agent, 84% of the men used in the study were symptom free in six month. The sclerosing agent will reduce the size and symptoms of a testicular cyst. This procedure has significantly less physical risk and less risk of recurrence of the cyst.
