Epidermoid cyst

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kiran Singh, M.D. [2]

Overview

An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst, developed out of ectodermal tissue. Histologically, it is made of a thin layer of squamous epithelium.

It’s very common for women and can be found on the major or minor labia.

Terminology

The more general term for an Epidermal Inclusion Cyst (which strictly means implantation of epidermal elements into the dermis), Epidermoid cyst includes cysts originating from the infundibular portion of the hair follicle.

The majority of Epidermal Inclusion Cysts do in fact originate from the infundibular portion of the hair follicle thus explaining the interchangeable,^[1] yet technically incorrect, use of these two terms.

Causes

These cysts are caused by a bacterium and form into a pimple-like shape.

Presentation

It’s very common for women and can be found on the major or minor labia. For some individuals, it doesn’t even irritate. For others, it can hurt and when touched, it can release pus. If any of this occurs, its best to discuss it with a doctor.

In contrast to pilar cysts, epidermoid cysts usually present on parts of the body with relatively little hair.^[2]

Although they are not malignant, it is possible for malignant tumors to arise from them.^[3]

Diagnosis

MRT isointens, FLAIR hyperintens.

Physical Examination

Skin

Face

Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]
Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]

Extremity

Epidermoid cyst. Adapted from Dermatology Atlas.^[4]

Treatment

Cysts can be removed by excision.^[5]

References

↑ “Epidermoid cyst”.
↑ “cysts – British Association of Dermatologists”.
↑ Jehle KS, Shakir AJ, Sayegh ME (2007). “Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an epidermoid cyst”. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005). 68 (8): 446. PMID 17847698.
↑ ^4.00 ^4.01 ^4.02 ^4.03 ^4.04 ^4.05 ^4.06 ^4.07 ^4.08 ^4.09 ^4.10 ^4.11 ^4.12 ^4.13 ^4.14 “Dermatology Atlas”.
↑ “Minimal Excision Technique for Removal of an Epidermoid Cyst – April 1, 2002 – American Academy of Family Physicians”.

External links

Template:DermNet

de:Epidermoidzyste nl:epidermoïd cyste

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[1] “Epidermoid cyst”.

[2] “cysts – British Association of Dermatologists”.

[pmid17847698-3] Jehle KS, Shakir AJ, Sayegh ME (2007). “Squamous cell carcinoma arising in an epidermoid cyst”. British journal of hospital medicine (London, England : 2005). 68 (8): 446. PMID 17847698.

[Dermatology_Atlas-4] 4.00 ^4.01 ^4.02 ^4.03 ^4.04 ^4.05 ^4.06 ^4.07 ^4.08 ^4.09 ^4.10 ^4.11 ^4.12 ^4.13 ^4.14 “Dermatology Atlas”.

[5] “Minimal Excision Technique for Removal of an Epidermoid Cyst – April 1, 2002 – American Academy of Family Physicians”.

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