Causes and Differences Between Sebaceous Cysts, Epidermoid Cysts, and Lipomas
The main Cause of Sebaceous Cysts Sebaceous cysts are usually caused by a blockage in a sebaceous gland, which is located in each skin. Such glands produce oil in the skin. When the gland is blocked, the sebum continues to be produced and cannot come out. It therefore accumulated over time to become a cyst. Since sebaceous cysts are filled with sebum, they could have a characteristic odor when drained surgically, especially if the cyst had become infected.
How to Prevent Sebaceous Cysts?
While generally not preventable, avoiding irritation of the skin and practicing good hygiene may lower the risk of a sebaceous cyst. In some cases, certain skin conditions and hereditary factors may make people more prone to developing a sebaceous cyst than others.
Are Epidermoid Cysts the Same as Sebaceous Cysts?
No, epidermoid cysts are not sebaceous cysts. When epithelial cells-in other words, the outermost skin layer-are trapped under the skin's surface, they form an epidermoid cyst. Eventually, enclosed and proliferating cells will form a cyst. Epidermoid cysts differ from sebaceous cysts, in which some blockage occurs to a glandular pore. An epidermoid cyst is formed by trapping, followed by aberrant growth, of dermal cells.
Sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts look the same, but they are caused by two different mechanisms. Sebaceous cysts occur as a result of an obstruction of the sebaceous glands, whereas epidermoid cysts arise from the encapsulation of epidermal cells. Both types of cyst contain a mass of skin debris and other materials, whereas a lipoma is a benign tumor comprising of accumulations of fatty tissues. Lipomas are soft, movable growths without any resemblance to cysts.
What is Inside a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is usually filled with sebum, the oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands. It may contain dead skin cells, hair follicles, or other kinds of skin debris. In case of infection, the cyst may also contain pus, thereby increasing swelling and irritation.
Do Sebaceous Cysts Have an Odor?
In some cases, an infected sebaceous cyst may exhibit a repulsive odor, especially after it has been drained. The foul odor may come from the sebum inside the cyst, or even at times, bacteria can make the smell more potent.
In summary, while sebaceous cysts, epidermoid cysts, and lipomas all can have similar appearances, they represent distinct conditions, with different pathologies and contents. A healthcare professional can distinguish between such growths and guide appropriate management, including removal.
How Long Do Sebaceous Cysts Last?
If left untreated, sebaceous cysts can take many years to develop. They might also fluctuate during the stages when they become infected, appearing red, inflamed, and swollen.
How Fast Do Sebaceous Cysts Grow?
Sebaceous cysts grow over a period of months. Most of the time, they increase slowly in size.
Do Sebaceous Cysts Get Bigger?
Indeed, sebaceous cysts can grow in size. If left untreated, they would mostly grow slowly; however, this would somewhat depend on the individual and the determinants of the other factors like infection or irritation that may affect the area.
Is Removal of Sebaceous Cyst Worth It?
Most people prefer to have the sebaceous cyst removed cosmetically, especially if the cyst is visible or in a conspicuous area. However, there is also valid medical reasons for removing a sebaceous cyst, such as possible recurrent infections or some discomfort due to an unusually large cyst. Sometimes, when the cyst starts to be painful or uncomfortable, it is also advised that one should have the cyst removed.
Is It Alright to Leave a Sebaceous Cyst?
Even though it is normally not necessary to have a sebaceous cyst removed immediately, consulting a doctor is always in the best interest of a person. Failure to treat this kind of cyst may result in a few complications, like an infection. Though the condition does not necessarily manifest signs immediately, it will gradually continue growing, and possibly resulting in more significant scars due to its eventual removal.
What Happens If a Sebaceous Cyst Is Left Untreated?
An untreated sebaceous cyst will continue to grow in size and, therefore, carries with it an increased risk for infection, particularly if irritated or inflamed. A cyst that causes distress may need to be removed, and it can be a bit of a challenge because of its larger size. Most incisions for removing larger cysts are longer, which translates into greater scarring.
An early-stage removal of a sebaceous cyst is ideal because this means a smaller incision and one less invasive that would have more chance of complete removal. Early sebaceous cyst removal treatment in Kerala reduces the possibility of complications in recovery.
Generally speaking, a sebaceous cyst is considered non-harmful, so it is checked and even recommended that it be removed in case it grows, becomes infected, or becomes a cosmetic concern.
-min.png)
.png)
.png){kind=small}
.png)
.png){kind=small}
