SEBACEOUS CYST REMOVAL IN MIAMI

Sebaceous cysts, those small benign bumps that can appear on the skin, may not be an immediate cause for concern, but they can be bothersome and unattractive. Fortunately, you have options for their removal, and if you're in the Miami area, Avana Wellness Plus is here to help. Our experienced medical professionals are well-prepared to provide effective solutions for sebaceous cyst removal, ensuring a safe and efficient process.

What Is a Sebaceous Cyst and How Is It Identified?

A sebaceous cyst is an enclosed sac filled with keratin, a protein commonly found in the skin, hair, and nails. These cysts often appear on the face, ears, scalp, groin area, or back. These small round bumps beneath the skin are harmless, and some may disappear independently. They usually form due to skin trauma or an inflamed hair follicle. However, if left untreated, they can grow considerably and become visible.

Identifying a sebaceous cyst is relatively simple:

• Painless and slow-growing.
• White or yellowish.
• Located just beneath the skin.
• Often accompanied by a small central pore.

Understanding Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous Cysts vs. Other Common Skin Cysts

Before delving into the details of sebaceous cyst removal, it is essential to distinguish sebaceous cysts from other common skin cysts.

Epidermoid Cysts: These cysts originate in hair follicles and are filled with dead skin cells. The central opening is often clogged with a blackhead, containing a thick, foul-smelling substance that occasionally drains from the cyst. People frequently confuse these cysts with sebaceous cysts. Still, it's important to note that sebaceous cysts are less common and originate from sebaceous glands, which secrete oily material that lubricates the skin and hair.

Pilar Cysts: Also referred to as trichilemmal cysts, they develop near hair follicles and are commonly found on the scalp. Pilar cysts are not cancerous, and the tendency to create them is often hereditary. When comparing them to sebaceous cysts, some differences are notable: Pilar cysts arise from hair follicles and are typically found on the scalp; in contrast, sebaceous cysts can manifest on any part of the body and are formed by sebaceous glands. Additionally, pilar cysts are filled with keratin, while sebaceous cysts contain sebum.

Ganglion Cysts: These are noncancerous, fluid-filled lumps that often form in joints and tendons. They usually have an oval or circular shape and come in various sizes, ranging from millimeters to centimeters. Ganglion cysts consist of a viscous fluid responsible for joint lubrication. They are more common in women aged 20 to 40. It is advisable to have them evaluated by a trauma expert.

Lipomas: These are benign tumors that develop from fat cells in the body. They rarely turn malignant. Lipomas have substantial differences compared to sebaceous cysts: they are solid and do not have a capsule; they do not communicate with the outside as they lack a pore, unlike sebaceous cysts, which can become infected; lipomas are typically soft and rubbery in texture, unlike sebaceous cysts, which are hard to the touch.

Signs and Symptoms of Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts typically exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

• A painless lump or bump just beneath the skin's surface that may increase in size over time.
• A non-consistent nodule that can be moved when touched.
• A visible central pore.
• White or yellowish.
• Possible redness, swelling, or inflammation if infected.

Common Areas Where Sebaceous Cysts Appear

There is no specific area for sebaceous cysts; they can develop anywhere on the body where sebaceous glands are concentrated, such as the face, neck, trunk, and scalp. There is no specific age or type of person associated with these nodules, but they are common in young adults aged between their twenties and forties.

What Happens If a Sebaceous Cyst Is Left Untreated?

Leaving a sebaceous cyst untreated can lead to complications such as infection, pain, discomfort, and aesthetic concerns. Remember that a sebaceous cyst can vary in size and become quite large. It may even become infected, leading to inflammation, skin redness, and pain upon touch. For these reasons, it is advisable to seek guidance from a professional as soon as you discover one on your body and consider its removal as quickly as possible.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Sebaceous Cysts?

The diagnosis of sebaceous cysts generally involves a physical examination performed by a dermatologist. Sometimes, your doctor may recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other possible conditions. A biopsy may also be performed to extract tissue from the cyst and analyze it for cancer.

Surgical Options for Sebaceous Cyst Removal

Sebaceous cyst removal is a relatively straightforward procedure and can be performed using various techniques.

Conventional Wide Excision: This method involves making an elliptical incision to dissect and remove the cyst from the surrounding tissues. Although it leaves significant scars compared to other techniques, it is considered the most effective due to its low recurrence rate after completely removing the cyst's wall. This method is suitable for larger or more complex cysts.

Minimal Excision Technique: The minimal excision technique involves a small incision to remove the cyst's contents and wall. After injecting local anesthesia, the lesion is massaged, and the cyst's content is squeezed out through a 2-3 mm incision. Once the content has been extracted, the capsule is removed through the opening, and closure is typically unnecessary.

Punch Biopsy Excision: This technique is similar to the previous one but is performed using a disposable dermal punch after injecting lidocaine. Pressure is applied to the cyst to extract its content and wall, which can be closed with sutures.

Combination of Laser and Minimal Excision: Laser technology can also be combined with the minimal excision technique to remove the cyst. It involves creating a small hole in the cyst with a laser to extract its contents. After one month, the cyst's wall is removed through minimal excision. This method offers favorable cosmetic results due to its low recurrence rate. It is an excellent option for eradicating non-infected cysts with a prominent size, especially in areas of aesthetic concern.