Skin Cyst

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Epidermoid Cyst, Pilar Cysts, Skin Cyst

A cyst is simply a noncan­cerous balloon of collected oil, shed skin cells, and keratin present under the skin. True Sebaceous cysts that are cysts filled with oil are rare compared to those filled with a yellow tooth­paste consist­ency collec­tion of keratin. These cysts are either Pilar or Epidermoid Cysts. Pilar Cysts can run in families causing many family members to suffer from multiple cysts.

If you have had acne during puberty, you will have a greater chance of having Epidermoid or Skin Cysts.

The commonest loca­tion of these cysts is the scalp, face, neck, and trunk.

Generally, you will see a small black dot or hole on the top of this dome-shaped swelling from which occa­sion­ally there will be yellow pus-like discharge (espe­cially if you squeeze it). These skin cysts are gener­ally pain­less unless they grow too big or get infected.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an Epidermoid and Pilar Cyst?

Both Epidermoid and Pilar Cysts are Skin Cysts filled with a yellow tooth­paste kind of material composed of keratin and shed skin cells. The differ­ence between can truly be made under a micro­scope where the inside lining of the balloon of material in the Epidermoid Cyst resembles the skin’s epidermis layer, whereas that of the Pilar Cyst resembles cells in the growth centre of the hair follicle.

But on the surface, it is diffi­cult to differ­en­tiate between the two.

Can I squeeze out or drain a Sebaceous Cyst? Is it safe to lance a sebaceous cyst at home?

It is certainly not safe to lance or attempt to burst a Skin Cyst at home.

There is a risk of intro­du­cing infec­tion. Also, while you might squeeze out some of the contents, you will cause some of the contents to be pushed deeper into the skin tissue. This will cause further prob­lems and possible recur­rences of the cyst.

How do you treat a Sebaceous Cyst? What is Cyst Excision?

There are basic­ally two ways of dealing with Skin Cysts that are not infected.

Total surgical excision: involves removal of the entire balloon of the cyst intact.

Small incision removal: involves making a small cut and then scooping out all the contents, including the lining of the cyst. While this results in a better cosmetic outcome in terms of the length of the scar, given that some bits of the lining might be left behind, there is a greater chance of recurrence.

What is the treatment for an infected skin cyst or Sebaceous Cyst?

If the infec­tion is at an early stage, your doctor might give you some oral anti­bi­otics. If your sebaceous cyst has become an abscess, your doctor will advise you of a two-step strategy. At first, the cyst will be incised and drained under aseptic precau­tions in the surgery, and you will start a course of anti­bi­otics. About 4–6 weeks later, once the inflam­ma­tion has settled, your doctor will try to remove the left-over sac of the cyst with a small surgery under local anesthesia.

Costs

An accurate estimate of the costs is only possible after an in-clinic consulta­tion with Dr Prashant. We charge a £75 deposit to secure your consulta­tion with Dr Prashant, this amount will be deducted from the costs of the treat­ment you go on to have at our clinic. Every cyst removal will cost different depending on the size, site and complexity, on average the prices start from £495 onwards. If the specimen needs to be sent for biopsy it will cost addi­tional £100.