Epidermoid cysts are noncancerous lumps under the skin. Where can these cysts appear on the skin?even, but more often appears on the face, neck, head, back,and genital area.
Physically, epidermoid cysts are yellow-brown in color, and contain a thick, smelly fluid. These cysts range in size from the size of a marble to the size of a ping pong ball.
Epidermoid cysts are benign lumps and rarely cause health problems. But in some cases, these cysts can be unsightly, painful, burst, or even cause infection.
Symptoms of Epidermoid Cyst
Symptoms of an epidermoid cyst are the appearance of a lump under the skin on one part of the body, for example on the wrist. This epidermoid cyst lump has several characteristics, namely:
- The lump is the size of a marble to the size of a ping pong ball.
- The bumps usually appear on the face, upper body, or neck.
- At the top of the bump, a blackhead appears.
- When experiencing inflammation or infection, the area around the cyst becomes red and swollen.
- When the cyst ruptures, a thick, yellow-smelling fluid will come out from the cyst.
When to go to the doctor
Although epidermoid cysts are not cancerous and rarely cause serious problems, any lump that appears on the body needs to be checked by a doctor.
You also need to consult a doctor if you have an epidermoid cyst:
- Disturbing appearance.
- Grows on fingers or toes.
- Growing up fast.
- Broken, painful, or infected.
Causes of Epidermoid Cysts
Epidermoid cysts grow when dead skin cells get trapped in the skin. This condition can be triggered by an injury to the skin, an HPV infection, acne, or excessive sun exposure.
Epidermoid cysts can affect anyone, but are more at risk for people who have gone through puberty and have acne-prone skin.
Epidermoid Cyst Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors can determine an epidermoid cyst by looking at the characteristics of the lump. If needed, the dermatologist will take a sample of tissue or cyst fluid for examination in the laboratory (biopsy). A biopsy can be performed at the time of surgical removal of an epidermoid cyst.
Epidermoid cysts can stop growing or even go away on their own without treatment. However, if the cyst causes discomfort or interferes with appearance, the doctor may use the following treatment methods:
- Minor surgery, to remove the entire cyst.
- Inject drugs, to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Making a small incision in the cyst, to remove the contents inside.
- Laser therapy, to shrink the cyst.
Keep in mind, do not squeeze the cyst because it can cause infection. If only squeezed, the cyst can grow back. If the cyst bursts and oozes fluid, cover it with a bandage and see a doctor immediately.
Epidermoid Cyst Complications
A number of complications that can occur due to an epidermoid cyst are:
- Inflammation of the area around the cyst.
- Infection, especially from squeezing the cyst until it bursts.
- Cysts grow back, especially if not treated with surgery.
Although very rare, epidermoid cysts can also turn into skin cancer.