Epidermoid cyst in Infant/Neonate
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:L72.0 – Epidermal cyst
SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Epidermoid cysts are rare before puberty, and alternative diagnoses should be strongly considered in infancy and childhood.Superficial lymph nodes are palpated within the subcutaneous fat and are found within the course of lymphatics.
- Dermoid cysts result from anomalies in embryonic closure zones. Surgical removal or biopsy of a cyst over the midline should not be attempted without proper imaging to rule out intraspinal or intracranial connection.
- Thyroglossal duct cysts present as midline cystic nodules on the neck in children.
- Branchial cleft cysts present in the second or third decade as a nodule in the preauricular area, mandibular region, or along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
- Bronchogenic cysts are most frequently found in the suprasternal notch, and they represent sequestered respiratory epithelium during embryological development.
- Lipomas are soft, mobile subcutaneous nodules with normal overlying epidermis.
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:05/08/2017
Last Updated:06/12/2017
Last Updated:06/12/2017
Patient Information for Epidermoid cyst in Infant/Neonate
Overview
Epidermoid cysts, sometimes known as sebaceous cysts (a misnomer), contain a soft "cheesy" material composed of keratin, a protein component of skin, hair, and nails.- Epidermoid cysts form when the top layer of skin (epidermis) grows into the middle layer of the skin (dermis). This may occur due to injury or blocked hair follicles.
- The lesion may be asymptomatic, but rupture of the epidermoid cyst can result in significant discomfort.
Who’s At Risk
Epidermoid cysts are a common lesion that affect people of all ages.Signs & Symptoms
Epidermoid cysts can be located almost anywhere but are most common on the face, neck, scalp, or trunk.- A cyst appears as a dome-shaped, skin-colored growth that usually moves when touched and pressed upon. It may have a small opening in the center.
- The cyst can be well-defined or irregular due to prior rupture, scarring, and regrowth.
- If manipulated or infected, the cyst can become red and may be tender.
Self-Care Guidelines
None necessary. It is advised not to try to express the material within cysts as further inflammation and even infection may result.When to Seek Medical Care
See your primary care physician or a dermatologist if a cyst becomes inflamed or painful.Treatments
- Inflamed, non-infected cysts may be injected with steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Incision and drainage can provide immediate reduction in the cyst. However, this is a temporary measure. After this treatment, a cyst will refill with the cheesy contents because the lining of the cyst has not been removed.
- Cysts may be removed (excised) surgically.
References
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1721-1723. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.778-781. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Epidermoid cyst in Infant/Neonate
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp