The commonly known term “sebaceous cyst” in colloquial language refers to oil cysts that differ from sebaceous glands when examined medically. Lipomas, or commonly known as sebaceous cysts, contain fatty tissues in various parts of the body, excluding the palms, soles of the feet, and scalp.
Masses that particularly occur on the palms, soles of the feet, and scalp are referred to as sebaceous cysts (also known as sebaceous cysts or epidermoid cysts). This article will focus on sebaceous cysts that develop especially on the scalp and discuss the treatment methods for such cysts.
What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
A sebaceous cyst is generally defined as a sac filled with fluid and surrounded by a membrane. The fluid inside these sacs is typically thick, oily, and has an unpleasant odor. They can occur on the hairy skin, especially in the head region, surrounded by a membrane. Cysts often create swelling but are generally benign tumors that do not pose a significant health risk. Although rarely, some cysts may become malignant, but this occurrence is very rare. Less than one percent of cysts tend to transform into malignant cysts.
What causes Sebaceous Cysts?
While there is not precise information about the exact causes of sebaceous cysts, it is believed that cysts, particularly those occurring in the head region and on the hairy skin, develop as a result of the blockage of oil glands at the hair follicles.
The oil and sweat glands in the scalp exist in every healthy individual to protect the hair roots. The oils secreted by these glands nourish the hair, and this is a normal process that does not usually cause discomfort for people. However, individuals experiencing hair loss may have a reduced amount of hair follicles. In such cases, although the amount of secreted oil remains the same, the decreased number of hairs can give the appearance of oily hair. Oils that would not normally cause problems may create discomfort for individuals in such situations.
The blockage of one or more oil glands leads to the accumulation of secretions under the skin. In the initial stages, since the cyst is small, it usually does not cause significant symptoms in patients. However, as the cyst grows over time, the patient may experience discomfort.
How to Identify a Sebaceous Cyst on the Head? What are the Symptoms?
The symptoms and defining characteristics of a sebaceous cyst that appears on the head are as follows:
Cysts are generally lumps with a harder texture compared to sebaceous glands, but they often have a soft tissue. These formations usually do not cause any complaints initially and rarely occurring cysts can sometimes heal spontaneously over time.
When touched, like sebaceous glands, cysts can be defined as structures that can move under the skin.
Cysts usually have a round or spherical structure, and their sizes can vary from patient to patient. Multiple cysts in the same patient can be of different sizes.
In some cases, symptoms such as abscess, redness, infection, and pain may occur in relation to the formation of cysts. In cases where infection develops, symptoms like fever may also be observed.
Who is Most Likely to Have a Sebaceous Cyst on the Head?
Sebaceous cysts are more commonly seen in men compared to women. This condition is generally determined to occur between the ages of 20-40, but it can occur at any age, even in the newborn period.
Although there is no direct relationship with genetic factors, it can be associated with rare genetic syndromes such as Gardner syndrome and Gorlin syndrome. Additionally, research indicates that cysts are more commonly seen in older individuals with skin areas exposed to chronic sun damage. Studies on individuals with acne vulgaris complaints also suggest a tendency for cysts to occur more frequently.
How is a Diagnosis Made for a Sebaceous Cyst on the Head?
Any swelling occurring in the head region should not be directly considered a cyst, as hard lumps can indicate other health issues.
The diagnosis and treatment of cysts are usually provided through a doctor’s examination, and additional procedures such as ultrasound or other tests may not be necessary. Additional tests may only be required for cysts evaluated by doctors with suspicions of cancer.
For suspicious cases, doctors may request additional tests such as computed tomography scans. Additionally, if there are doubts about the cysts that have been removed, a sample may be sent for pathological examination.
Inflammation of a Sebaceous Cyst
In cases where cysts, which structurally do not cause pain or any complaints, become infected with bacteria, pain and abscess can develop in patients. The source of infection is the entry of microbes into the capsule of the sebaceous cyst.
In such cases, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor should be used. Initially, the infection needs to be treated, and then the treatment of the cyst should be addressed.
How is the Treatment for a Sebaceous Cyst on the Head Performed?
The treatment for a sebaceous cyst is typically carried out through surgical intervention, involving the removal of the cyst from the body. This procedure is a minor surgical operation but requires special attention due to being performed on the hairy skin.
To avoid causing aesthetic concerns for the patient, the treatment on the hairy skin should be performed without shortening the hair and using the smallest incision possible. The advantage of a small incision and not shortening the hair is to prevent an uncomfortable appearance after the treatment.
In many cases, the incision made is not noticeable from the outside. For the removal of the cyst, the area around the cyst is first locally anesthetized. Then, a minimal incision is made. Subsequently, a cut is made in the capsule surrounding the cyst, and the thick fluid inside is drained. After draining the cyst, it can be removed from the body. Once the cyst is emptied and the capsule is removed, the treatment is completed by stitching.
After the treatment, the patient can quickly return to their daily life. They can take a shower the next day, and there is no need for special dressings or care.
Frequently Asked Questions by Patients Related to Sebaceous Cysts on the Head
Will a treated cyst recur?
It is not generally expected for a cyst that has undergone treatment to recur.
Which doctor should be consulted for the treatment of a sebaceous cyst on the head? As the solution to this problem often requires surgical intervention, the preferred specialty is general surgery.
Cysts cannot be treated with medications or herbal products. The treatment for a cyst involves its removal from the body.
Does an existing sebaceous cyst cause hair loss?
The tendency of a sebaceous cyst to grow over time, especially when large cysts exert pressure on the hair roots, can lead to permanent hair loss.
Does the cyst cause pain?
Cysts that tend to grow may cause pain complaints due to increased pressure in the area where they are located.
Will there be a scar after treatment?
The size of the incision made during the procedure determines the scars that will form after treatment. Treatment involving a minimal incision may leave a slightly noticeable scar on the scalp. However, since this scar is beneath the hair, it is generally not visible.
What happens when a sebaceous cyst bursts? If a sebaceous cyst on the head bursts, the oil leaking from the capsule can cause inflammation, and in such cases, it may develop into an abscess that needs to be drained. Symptoms such as unusual pain, redness, and swelling may occur during this process.
