An epidermoid cyst is a benign condition, and, while annoying, usually does not require any treatment. Sometimes, if there is inflammation or infection, the removal of the cyst becomes necessary.
Normally these lesions do not have any symptoms. However, cysts appearing on the exposed parts of the body, such as face, neck, arms or scalp are often an embarrassing cosmetic problem and anxiety to the affected person. Sometimes, these lesions may be traumatizing, especially, those on the scalp getting caught while combing. Though most of the lesions are benign, there are some rare cases of malignant tumors arising from epidermoid cysts.
Inflamed or infected epidermoid cyst can be painful and annoying and may hurt when touched. In such inflamed conditions, the best treatment is its surgical removal so that there is no recurrence. Popping, pinching or squeezing may rupture the lesion and release foul smelling cheesy substance. Unlike acne or pimple, the release of its contents will not resolve the cyst. The capsule like structure lined with squamous epithelium layer will persist giving rise to fresh growth when it is blocked. The capsule's lining of epidermal origin requires complete removal to cure the condition.
Epidermoid cyst treatment
Treatment options available are, injecting the lesion with anti inflammatory medicine, incising and draining, vaporizing the cyst with laser or minor surgery.
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| epidermoid cyst removal and treatment |
If surgical removal is not contemplated, non invasive treatment procedures may be followed.
Asymptomatic epidermoid cysts may be left alone.
If there is inflammation, anti inflammatory medicines like triamcinolone are injected into the lesion to hasten the resolution of inflammation.
If the nodule is mildly infected antibiotics may be used to resolve the infection.
If the lesion is ruptured and oozing contents, hot saline towel may be applied to hasten and complete the draining. Later a topical antibiotic may applied.
Epidermoid cyst removal
Surgical removal of the benign lesion can be performed under sedation and local anaesthesia.
By making an incision in relation to the size of the nodule, the cystic bag is completely resected and removed and the wound is sutured.
Precaution is taken not to puncture the cyst while extracting. The extracted tissue is normally sent for histopathological examination for the final diagnosis and also to rule out carcinoma.
In case of small lesions, after administering local anaesthesia, a small incision is made to drain the contents. Then the surgeon extracts the lesion wall through the hole; suture is not required. Topical antibiotic may be given to protect the wound from infection.
If the lesion is infected, ruptured or inflamed the surgeon may prefer resolving the infection with antibiotic administration before the surgical procedure.
If the lesion is badly ruptured and oozing contents, the remaining contents are expressed out and then the empty lesion wall is removed. If any remnants of the cyst wall remain after removal, the lesion may reappear.
In case of removal of large epidermoid cyst, to avoid haematoma from forming, resorbable subcutaneous suture is used to close the gaping hole and space.
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Reference:
1.Information from your family doctor. Minimal excision technique for removal of an epidermoid cyst. Am Fam Physician. 2002 Apr 1;65(7):1423-4.
2.2.G.Siva Prasad Reddy, N.V.S.Sekhar Reddy, G.V Reddy, Sriharsha K. Gaint Epidermoid Cyst of External Ear– A Rare Case Report. J Clin Diagn Res. Feb 2014; 8(2): 167–168.
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Image source:
1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Epidermal_Cyst_ear.JPG
Author: JonathanRR | License: CC BY-SA 3.0
Current topic in natural skin care: Treatment and removal of epidermoid cyst.
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