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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
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Skin Care and Diseases |
Sebaceous cyst05/07/2004 |
I recently went to the doctor and was told I have two sebaceous cysts on my leg below my knee. After reading on sebaceous cysts I am not sure the diagnosis is correct. These are two bumps that are hard - they grew to be the size they are now (about 1/2 of a pea) and have remained that size for about a year. They get in the way when I am shaving my legs and will generally end up bleeding when I nick them. There doesn`t seem to be any puss around these bumps. Any advice/ information would be appreciated- I would like to have these removed, but I am afraid of the cost!
In order to be certain that we are on the same page for purposes of your looking things up in the literature......Sebaceous cysts really do not exist in most individuals. They are in fact epidermoid cysts and are derived from follicular epithelium and are composed primarily of keratin. There may be some sebum present but that is a chance association, not primary cause. These cystic structures are derived from the sebaceous apparatus and therefore can occur anywhere on the body. They are seen more commonly on the torso and genitalia, and occasionally on the face in severe acne. The description that you give is compatible with the diagnosis of epidermoid cyst and the only treatment is removal. They tend to occasionally be ruptured from minor trauma and may form sterile abscesses that are very uncomfortable.
Since the only dependable treatment is removal I would consult your board certified dermatologist and ask for cost for the procedure. Also check with your insurance carrier to see if they allow for removal of epidermoid cysts. If you choose, you may leave them until they become more symptomatic. These rarely, if ever, become malignant. Be sure and see your board certified dermatologist for an opinion and cost appraisal for removal.
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Charles L. Heaton, MD Professor Department of Dermatology College of Medicine University of Cincinnati |
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