Sebaceous Cyst Treatment: Diagnosis, Removal, & Recovery
Do you have a white or yellow lump on your skin and feel bothered by it? It can be a sebaceous cyst. At SurgiKure, we provide advanced minimally invasive sebaceous cyst treatment to safely and effectively remove the lump. Book a consultation with our expert plastic or cosmetic surgeon and determine the best approach for sebaceous cyst removal.
What is Sebaceous Cyst Surgery?
A sebaceous cyst is a slow-growing, protein-filled lump that forms under the skin. Such a cyst originates from the sebaceous gland when it gets damaged. These glands are located on the entire body, except for the palm and soles of the feet. Thus, a sebaceous cyst can form anywhere on the body. While they are usually harmless, they can increase in size, get infected, or cause pain and discomfort. In rare cases, the cyst can also become malignant. Thus, people are advised to get the cyst removed properly.
While there are several methods available for sebaceous cyst treatment, the most effective method is surgical removal. Other methods primarily focus on improving the symptoms and providing relief, whereas surgical treatment involves removing the cyst contents along with the cyst wall.
Sebaceous Cyst Diagnosis
Diagnosing a sebaceous cyst typically involves a physical exam and evaluation by a doctor (dermatologist or plastic/cosmetic surgeon). The diagnostic process involves the following:
Medical History: The first step is taking the patient’s medical history, including his/her symptoms, duration of the cyst, and any relevant past medical conditions or surgeries.
Physical & Visual Exam: The doctor will conduct a physical exam to check the affected area. The cyst, its size, appearance, location, and associated symptoms are observed. Besides this, the doctor will also evaluate the cyst characteristics, such as the central punctum, shape, firmness, etc. These exams help the doctor to make a differential diagnosis to compare the fluid-filled lump with other conditions, such as lipomas, epidermoid cysts, and other types of skin lesions. To differentiate, certain tests may also be recommended.
Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create images of the cyst and the surrounding tissues. It can help determine the size, location, and internal structure of the cyst. Ultrasound is often used to differentiate between cysts and other types of masses.
Biopsy: A biopsy will be performed if the doctor suspects that the cyst is cancerous. During the biopsy, a sample of the tissue is taken and sent to a laboratory for examination. This helps to confirm the diagnosis.
Other Imaging Tests: In rare cases, if the cyst is deep-seated or the doctor is concerned that underlying structures may also be connected with the cyst, an MRI(magnetic resonance imaging) or CT(computed tomography) scan may be done. These tests will provide detailed images of the internal structures and the surrounding tissues.