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Cyst, Sebaceous (Epidermal Cyst)

Patrick M. Zito, PharmD, DO and Richard Scharf, DO, FACO Reviewed 05/2023
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Also known as epidermal inclusion cyst and infundibular cyst, the term “sebaceous cyst” is a misnomer.

  • The correct nomenclature is “epidermoid cyst” because these structures have no s...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mass slowly growing over time

  • Recent trauma

  • “Cheese-like” material expressed from cyst, often with a rancid odor

  • Epidermoid cyst appearance before puberty suggests an alternative diagnos...

TREATMENT

Sebaceous cysts are generally benign, and frequently no therapy is indicated. If removal is desired or indicated, every effort should be made to remove the entire cyst wall to prevent recurr...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Uncomplicated sebaceous cysts do not require regular follow-up.

  • Any recurrent cysts should be excised using a traditional elliptical incision.

  • Solid or atypical mas...

REFERENCES

1
Luba  MC, Bangs  SA, Mohler  AM, et al. Common benign skin tumors. Am Fam Physician.  2003;67(4):729–738. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]
2
...

CODES

ICD10

  • L72.3 Sebaceous cyst

  • L72.0 Epidermal cyst

SNOMED

  • 419603000 epidermoid cyst of skin (disorder)

  • 446936008 epidermoid cyst of skin of face (disorder)

  • 447231001 Epidermoid cyst of skin of neck (diso...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Sebaceous cysts (epidermoid cysts) are generally benign and do not warrant routine excision.

  • Indications for cyst removal include cosmesis, inflammation, concern for underlying malignan...

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