SEBACEOUS CYSTS (EPIDERMOID CYSTS)

These are lumps under the skin. Occasionally one can find a small punctum on the overlying skin. The cyst is lined by wall and it contains white cheesy material. Common sites include the body and scalp. The can be more than one present.

Natural Progression

The cyst will enlarge with time. Sometimes, the lining will burst. This will lead to an inflammation in the surrounding tissue and overlying skin. This is often mistaken for an infection and treated with antibiotics.

Surgery

Local anaesthesis is injected around the cyst. An incision is made over the skin. The cyst wall is carefully dissected(often best with an artery forceps) and the cyst removed with its contents.

The wound is closed with sutures - usually non-absorbable. These are left in for 7-14 days. A waterproof dressing is usually used to cover the wound.

Risks of Surgery

1. Wound problems - scarring, infection, breakdown

2. Recurrence - sometimes a fragment of the cyst wall is stuck down in the surrounding scar tissue and the cyst may regrow.