Cyst Sebaceous Infection
Sebaceous cysts are subcutaneous formations surrounded by a capsule containing a liquid or semi-liquid substance called sebum. It is also known as sebaceous gland or sebaceous cyst. These are tumors that are not related to cancer and are very common in the community.
They are mostly located on the head, face, neck and trunk. Their growth is very slow. They are tumors that do not adhere to the environment because they are surrounded by a prominent capsule. In palpable examination, they are movable, soft to press on, and painless masses unless there are any complications.
These cysts originate from the oil-producing glands called sebum in the scalp. Normally, sebum is made and released by these glands, and their job is to maintain fluidity. If the passageway of this secretion is blocked or damaged, sebum builds up behind in the gland. Cysts are encapsulated and well circumscribed. This blockage may have been caused by trauma or an infection. Trauma may be caused by trauma to this region or by surgical intervention in this region. Infections of this area or any skin disease may cause cyst formation by blocking the duct. Sebaceous cysts begin to grow after their mouth is clogged. The gland continues to make its secretion called sebum and reaches a noticeable size after a while.
Sebaceous cysts are easy to diagnose. The head, neck, and trunk are also easily visible anywhere. Patients usually find the masses themselves and apply to the doctor. They explain the physician mass and its characteristics very well. Swelling in visible areas disturbs patients. The inside of the cyst is filled with a keratin-like substance called sebum. It is very gentle by pressing on the cysts.
In cysts, there are not many symptoms other than a mass. There is not much pain in them. However, in cysts that have reached a large size, sometimes there may be pain due to pressure. In addition, if these cysts become infected, then severe pain and redness and warmth are detected. 5 cm in diameter. It is necessary to be alert and follow up frequently in cysts that are larger than or recur in a short time after the operation.
Soft tissue ultrasound is valuable in diagnosis. With this, the cyst wall, cyst content and dimensions can be determined exactly. In infected cases, it is investigated whether there is an abscess inside. In undecided cases, more precise results can be obtained with MRI.
Treatment:
Treatment is surgery. An elliptical incision is made on the cyst under local anesthesia and the cyst is removed together with its capsule. The most common reason for them to resort to surgery is cosmetic. Because most of the cysts are not harmful to health. Infected cysts that are in visible places, in joints and restrict movement should be totally removed. It should be kept in mind that cysts that are not surgically removed will grow larger or become infected at any time and turn into a painful, abscessed mass. However, some patients do not want surgery as it may cause scarring. However, it should not be forgotten that surgical interventions on infected cysts will leave a worse scar.
The aim in sebaceous cyst is to remove the cyst with a simple elliptical incision under local anesthesia before it becomes complicated. At this time, the cyst is removed along with its capsule. Relapse is inevitable if the capsule is left in place. After the mass is removed, it is sent to pathology. Definitive diagnosis is made by pathology.
After the cyst is removed, the wound is closed with hidden stitches and special adhesives called strips are placed on it. Thus, efforts are made to minimize the skin trace. In the meantime, the patient is given preventive antibiotics and painkillers for 5 days.
Sebaceous cysts do not become cancerous. However, they are not cosmetically pleasing to the eye. If the cyst is not treated on time, it can reach very large volumes. Sometimes tubers like a potato field may form on the head. When these are infected, the patient can go through a troubled period.
If the cyst is removed together with its capsule, it does not relapse. However, the capsule may not be removed in cysts that are infected or have ruptured the capsule by squeezing by the patient. Recurrence is inevitable.