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Epidermoid cyst - Hair and Scalp
See also in: Overview,Anogenital
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Epidermoid cyst - Hair and Scalp

See also in: Overview,Anogenital
Contributors: Rajini Murthy MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Mary Gail Mercurio MD, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

An epidermoid cyst, also known as an epidermal inclusion cyst or a sebaceous cyst, is a semisolid cyst. The cyst wall is stratified squamous epithelium, and the contents consist of macerated keratin and lipid-rich debris. Epidermoid cysts are commonly occurring lesions that can arise on the scalp, face, trunk, extremities, in the mouth, or on the genitals at any age, although they are most common in adults. They are also more common in men.

Several etiologic factors have been implicated in the formation of epidermoid cysts, including traumatic or iatrogenic implantation of epidermal elements, sequestration of epidermal rests, occlusion of the eccrine duct or pilosebaceous unit, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Smoking may contribute to the development of multiple epidermoid cysts on the face. Epidermoid cysts are a feature of several hereditary syndromes, such as Gardner syndrome, pachyonychia congenita, and the basal cell nevus syndrome.

Epidermoid cysts are benign and usually asymptomatic, but they may be painful if ruptured or infected. Rarely, malignancies such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and mycosis fungoides have developed within these cysts.

Pediatric Patient Considerations:
It is rare to see an epidermoid cyst in a prepubertal patient; in such cases, other diagnoses should be carefully considered.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L72.0 – Epidermal cyst

SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst

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Last Reviewed:05/26/2024
Last Updated:05/27/2024
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Patient Information for Epidermoid cyst - Hair and Scalp
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Epidermoid cyst - Hair and Scalp
See also in: Overview,Anogenital
A medical illustration showing key findings of Epidermoid cyst : Face, Neck, Scalp, Trunk
Clinical image of Epidermoid cyst - imageId=3463753. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of a yellowish nodule with a central keratin-filled punctum.'
A close-up of a yellowish nodule with a central keratin-filled punctum.
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