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Epidermoid cyst in Adult
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
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Epidermoid cyst in Adult

See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
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Contributors: Susan Burgin MD, Belinda Tan MD, PhD, Noah Craft MD, PhD
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Synopsis

Epidermoid cyst : Cyst, Face, Neck, Scalp, Smooth nodule, Trunk
An epidermoid cyst, also known as an epidermal inclusion cyst, is a semi-solid cyst. The cyst wall is stratified squamous epithelium, and the contents consist of macerated keratin and lipid-rich debris. The epidermoid cyst is a common lesion that can arise on the face, trunk, extremities, in the mouth, or on the genitals at any age. They are 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. Epidermoid cysts are a feature of several hereditary syndromes, such as Gardner syndrome, pachyonychia congenita, and the basal cell nevus syndrome. It is rare to see an epidermoid cyst in a pre-pubertal patient; in such cases, other diagnoses should be carefully considered.

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.

Codes

ICD10CM:
L72.0 – Epidermal cyst

SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst

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Last Reviewed:05/08/2017
Last Updated:06/20/2017
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Epidermoid cyst in Adult
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp
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A medical illustration showing key findings of Epidermoid cyst : Cyst, Face, Neck, Scalp, Smooth nodule, 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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