Sebaceous cyst

The human body is made up of Sebaceous glands that are small oil secretory glands present in
the skin. These glands are usually attached to hair follicles which releases a fatty substance
called sebum into the follicular duct that functions to lubricate the hair and skin of us human
beings.

Additionally, sebum is composed of fat, cellular debris and keratin and in excess can cause
certain abnormalities. One of the main abnormality that is focused in this discussion is
Sebaceous cyst, which is a cyst filled with sebaceous matter or semiliquid material formed by
distension of a sebaceous gland resulting in obstruction of its excretory duct. Some of its
locations are mostly on the face, neck and torso region. They usually develop if gland or duct
“the passage way in which the oil is able to leave” becomes damaged or blocked. This usually
occurs due to trauma to any area via a scratch, surgical wound or a skin condition such as acne.
Sebaceous cyst usually grows slowly but is not considered life threatening.

Other causes of this abnormality include;

 Deformed duct
 Damage to cells during a surgery
 Genetic conditions such as Gardner’s syndrome “a rare genetic disorder which causes
benign or noncancerous growth mainly found in the colon that may later cause cancer”
and Basal cell nevus syndrome “another rare genetic disorder which affects the skin,
endocrine system, nervous system, eyes and bones later resulting in basal cell
carcinoma”.

Some of the clinical features of sebaceous cyst are;

 Small cysts are usually not painful but large cyst can range from discomfort to
considerably painful.
 Large cysts on the face and neck can cause pressure and pain.
 The type of cyst is usually filled with white flakes of keratin also found in skin and nails.
 Most cysts are soft during palpation.
 Common sites where A they may be found are; scalp, face, neck and back.
 One risk factor is, they can become cancerous if the following characteristics are present:
- A diameter larger the 5cm.
- Reoccurrence after removal of cyst
- Signs of infection such as some characteristics of the 5P’s Pallor, Pain or Pus
drainage.

Furthermore, diagnosis is done after a simple physical examination method is performed. If cyst
is unusual then additional tests may be done to rule out the risk factor of cancers. Common tests
used for diagnosis of cancer or surgical removal are; 1) CT scans “which assist in spotting
abnormality prior to surgery”, ultrasounds “which identify the contents of the cyst” and punch
biopsy “which involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the cyst to be examined in
laboratory settings for signs of cancer”.
Treatments include; draining the cyst or surgically removing it. Also, one factor important to
note is that patients are usually involved in the treatment planning with their physician mainly
because some cyst are harmful to health. Some of the methods that are followed in the removal
of cyst are;

 Conventional wide excision- also known as complete removal of cyst that may leave a
long scar.
 Minimal excision- which causes minimal scarring but carries the risk of the cyst
returning.
 Laser with punch biopsy excision- that makes a small hole so that the cyst can be
drained of its contents removing the outer walls of the cyst about 3 to 4 weeks later.
Once the cyst is removed, antibiotic ointment is given to prevent infection. Note scar cream may
be also given to reduce the appearance of any surgical scars.