Epidermoid cyst
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| Epidermoid cyst | |
|---|---|
| Classification and external resources | |
 Epidermal Cyst, ear |
|
| ICD-10 | L72.0 |
| ICD-9 | 706.2 |
| OMIM | 131600 |
| DiseasesDB | 29388 |
| eMedicine | derm/860 |
| MeSH | D004814 |
An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst usually found on the skin. The cyst develops out of ectodermal tissue. Histologically, it is made of a thin layer of squamous epithelium.
Contents |
[edit] Terminology
Several synonyms exist for epidermoid cysts, including epidermal cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, infundibular cyst and keratin cyst.[1]:778[2] "Epidermal inclusion cyst" more specifically refers to implantation of epidermal elements into the dermis. Infundibular cyst refers to the site of origin of the cyst: the infundibular portion of the hair follicle. In fact, the majority of epidermal inclusion cysts originate from the infundibular portion of the hair follicle thus explaining the interchangeable,[3] yet technically incorrect, use of these two terms.
[edit] Causes
Epidermoid cysts commonly result from implantation of epidermis into the dermis, as in trauma or surgery. They can also be caused by a blocked pore adjacent to a body piercing. They are also seen in Gardner's syndrome on the head and neck. They can be infected by bacteria and form a pimple-like shape.
[edit] Presentation
The epidermoid cyst may be totally asymptomatic, or it may hurt when touched. It can release pus. It is very common for women on the major or minor labia. In contrast to pilar cysts, epidermoid cysts usually present on parts of the body with relatively little hair.[4]
Although they are not malignant, there are rare cases of malignant tumors arising from an epidermoid cyst.[5]
[edit] Diagnosis
Epidermoid cysts are usually diagnosed when a person notices a bump on their skin and seeks medical attention. The definitive diagnosis is made after excision by a pathologist based on microscopic appearance. They can also be seen as isointense lesions on MRI or hyperintensities on FLAIR.
[edit] Treatment
Cysts can be removed by excision.[6]
In cases where pus and blood are excreted, (particularly in those caused by body piercings,) hydrogen peroxide gel can be used to dry out the cyst. Be aware that this will slow the healing process for a new piercing.[citation needed]
[edit] See also
- Sebaceous cyst (since L72.0 is often mixed up with L72.1)
- Proliferating epidermoid cyst
- Verrucous cyst
[edit] References
- ^ Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0071380760.
- ^ James, William; Berger, Timothy; Elston, Dirk (2005). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. (10th ed.). Saunders. ISBN 0721629210.
- ^ "Epidermoid cyst". http://www.meddean.luc.edu/lumen/MEdEd/Medicine/dermatology/melton/cyst10.htm. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
- ^ "cysts - British Association of Dermatologists". http://www.bad.org.uk/patients/leaflets/cysts.asp. Retrieved 2007-11-14.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Minimal excision technique for removal of an epidermoid cyst". Am Fam Physician 65 (7): 1423–4. 2002. PMID 11996427. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20020401/1423ph.html.
[edit] External links
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