Epidermoid cyst
| Epidermoid cyst | |
|---|---|
Epidermal cyst in the earlobe
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| Classification and external resources | |
| Specialty | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 446: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| ICD-10 | L72.0 |
| ICD-9-CM | 706.2 |
| OMIM | 131600 |
| DiseasesDB | 29388 |
| eMedicine | derm/860 |
| Patient UK | Epidermoid cyst |
| MeSH | D004814 |
An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst usually found on the skin. The cyst develops out of ectodermal tissue. Histologically, it is made of a thin layer of squamous epithelium.
Contents
Terminology
Several synonyms exist for epidermoid cysts, including epidermal cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, infundibular cyst and keratin cyst.[1]:778[2] "Epidermal inclusion cyst" more specifically refers to implantation of epidermal elements into the dermis. Infundibular cyst refers to the site of origin of the cyst: the infundibular portion of the hair follicle. In fact, the majority of epidermal inclusion cysts originate from the infundibular portion of the hair follicle thus explaining the interchangeable,[3] yet technically incorrect, use of these two terms.
Presentation
The epidermoid cyst may have no symptoms, or it may hurt when touched. It can release pus. It is very common for women on the major or minor labia. In contrast to pilar cysts, epidermoid cysts are usually present on parts of the body with relatively little hair.[4]
Occasionally, an epidermoid cyst will present with Trigeminal neuralgia.
Although they are not malignant, there are rare cases of malignant tumors arising from an epidermoid cyst.[5]
Causes
Epidermoid cysts commonly result from implantation of epidermis into the dermis, as in trauma or surgery. They can also be caused by a blocked pore adjacent to a body piercing. They are also seen in Gardner's syndrome on the head and neck. They can be infected by bacteria and form a pimple-like shape.
Diagnosis
Epidermoid cysts are usually diagnosed when a person notices a bump on their skin and seeks medical attention. The definitive diagnosis is made after excision by a pathologist based on microscopic appearance of a cystic lesion lined by cornified epithelium containing lamellated keratin without calcifications. They can also be seen as isointense lesions on MRI or hyperintensities on FLAIR.
Treatment
Cysts can be removed by excision.[6]
Surgical resection appears to be the mainstay of treatment; however, the extent of resection is dictated by adherence of the tumor capsule to the surrounding vital structures.[7]
Hydrogen peroxide gel (H2O2) was previously recommended for cyst treatment, particularly those on body piercings. However the gel cannot adequately permeate the cyst and was not found to be effective.[8] Hydrogen peroxide is no longer recommended for wound care by doctors as it can damage the healing tissues.[9]
On body piercings, self treatment with a hot saline soak to help drain the cyst and the use of an antibacterial or medicated talcum powder to help dry out the bump and reduce bacterial proliferation is generally recommended until medical advice can be obtained.[10] Piercings, however, are more likely to be victims of hypertrophic scarring than a cyst. Cheek piercings seem to be the piercing most prone to cysts due to the possible interruption of saliva ducts.
See also
- Sebaceous cyst (since L72.0 is often mixed up with L72.1)
- Proliferating epidermoid cyst
- Intracranial epidermoid cyst
- Verrucous cyst
- List of cutaneous neoplasms associated with systemic syndromes
References
- ↑ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
- ↑ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Epidermoid Cyst; Frontal Lobe; Case Series
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ http://bodypoetrypiercing.co.uk/piercing-guides/problems-infections-and-issues/piercing-bumps/cysts/
