Cysts occur anywhere, but are usually found just under the skin. The size of the cysts can vary, they can be microscopic, or very large – even so large that they may displace the internal organs.
Cysts aren’t a normal part of the tissue they develop from, and they have a distinct membrane separating from adjacent normal tissue. This is called the cyst wall.
A cyst might be a symptom of a wider condition or syndrome, or they may present as a result of injury, or a condition like acne.
Because they grow and change over time, cysts may also sometimes be referred to as tumours, but most cysts are usually benign (meaning they are non-cancerous). Nevertheless, it is a good idea to seek medical advice from the GP, who can often treat cysts, or refer a patient presenting with one to an appropriate specialist for further investigation, diagnosis and treatment.
There are three types of cysts commonly found in the skin;
- Epidermoid cysts (also called sebaceous cysts);
- Trichilemmal cysts (also called pilar cysts);
- Milium
Cysts
Because they grow and change over time, cysts may also sometimes be referred to as tumours, but most cysts are usually benign (meaning they are non-cancerous).
Nevertheless, it is a good idea to seek medical advice from the GP, who can often treat cysts, or refer a patient presenting with one to an appropriate specialist for further investigation, diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Cysts
Each of the three most common types of cyst appear differently;
Epidermoid cysts (sebaceous cysts)
This is one of the most common forms of benign skin tumours, in which the cyst is covered by essentially normal-looking skin. Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts commonly present on the face, ears, neck, back and scalp, and they usually contain a thick whitish substance, which is broken down keratin (a natural component in the makeup of the skin). These can occur when a hair follicle becomes clogged, such as in severe acne, or folliculitis. When epidermoid cysts are removed, they can rupture, meaning they break apart in pieces. If all of the pieces of a cyst are not removed, the cyst may eventually recur in the same place.
Trichilemmal cysts (pilar cysts)
Milium
Acne cysts
Nodulocystic acne (also called cystic acne) is the most severe form of acne, where the pores of the skin become blocked, resulting in inflammation and infection.
Chalazion cysts
Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts are present at birth, and their composition can include mature skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, clumps of long hair, as well as fat, bone, cartilage, and thyroid tissue. Sometimes dermoid cysts are superficial and may be removed through excision, but depending on where the cyst occurs – for example, within the sinuses – treatment to remove the cyst might require surgical intervention performed by a different specialist.
Pilar, or Trichilemmal cysts
Pilonidal cysts
Epidermoid or Sebaceous cysts
Causes of Cysts
It is important to see a qualified medical practitioner, like a GP, to diagnose and treat a cyst, since even if they are benign, they can cause serious complications.
Treatment of Cysts at Derma
Sometimes a cyst can be treated with prescription creams, and tablets may be necessary to treat infection, but sometimes, if a cyst is likely to resolve on its own without causing any serious problems, it might be better to monitor it for signs of infection, and let it heal without intervening.
In some cases, you might need to have a cyst removed surgically, which is known as excision, and may mean you require stitches or other follow-up appointments. If you are having a cyst removed, and especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking certain types of medications, you may also need to have other investigations, like a blood test first, to make sure that you can safely undergo treatment.
Due to the fact that a cyst can arise for a variety of reasons, the exact type of cyst might not be possible to discern unless it is sent for histological testing at a laboratory.
Depending on the treatment and the severity of your condition, further tests and follow-up appointments may be required to manage your treatment.
Together with the dermatologist, you will discuss the latest and most effective treatments and explain all potential side-effects, enabling you to select the best option for you.
Related Specialists at Derma
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Charles Archer is a registered specialist with the GMC and his NHS Consultant post is split between The Royal Berkshire Hospitals and Oxford University Hospitals.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Sanju Arianayagam is a Consultant Dermatologist and gained her dermatology experience at Cambridge University Hospitals, Oxford University Hospitals and the Royal Berkshire Hospital.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rima Clayton is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practises in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Khan consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Kreuser-Genis is a UK trained Consultant Dermatologist who practices in Reading and Oxford. She is fully trained in both paediatric and adult dermatology.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Fisher consults on all general dermatology conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and acne.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr John Reed has been a UK trained consultant dermatologist and senior lecturer in Oxford since 2007