Sebaceous Cyst: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Sebaceous cysts are noncancerous outgrowths in the skin. They contain fluid or semi-fluid material. They are slow-growing and does not pose life-threatening situation. They can be easily diagnosed by physical examination and looked at thoroughly to eliminate the signs of tumours. If there is pain, pus-drainage, and active growth, it indicates malignancy of the sebaceous cyst.

BOOK APPOINTMENT CALL NOW

WHAT IS A SEBACEOUS CYST

Sebaceous cysts are white-yellow nodules filled with protein (keratin), commonly present on the neck, face, scalp, and trunk. Generally, they are harmless but may get infected, becoming red, tender, and swelled, with foul-smelling ous discharge oozing out from the cyst.

A sebaceous cyst, also known as an epidermoid cyst, is a noncancerous growth that forms under the skin. It is a common condition that can occur in people of all ages and genders, but it is most commonly seen in adults. Sebaceous cysts can develop on any part of the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, and trunk.

TYPES OF SEBACEOUS CYSTS

Epidermoid cyst

A benign cyst that develops in the outermost layer of skin (called ectoderm). It is mainly present in the regions where less hair is present.

1

Pilar cyst

Type of cyst formed from hair follicles mostly on the scalp. These are also benign, but they may grow rapidly as tumours.

2

CAUSES

Damage to the sebaceous gland
Deformation of ducts
Surgical injury
Genetic diseases (for example, Gardner's disease)

HOW IS IT FORMED

Sebaceous cysts are formed from the sebaceous glands when they get blocked or damaged. Injury, trauma, or surgical wound may damage the sebaceous gland, leading to the formation of sebaceous cysts.

This can be due to a variety of reasons, including an injury to the skin, a pore blockage, or a hormonal imbalance. When the gland becomes blocked, a sac of keratin, a protein that forms the outer layer of skin, builds up and creates a lump under the skin.

SYMPTOMS

Feeling of pressure
Inflammation
Pain and redness
Pus drainage
Cyst filled with keratin flakes

DIAGNOSIS

Physical examination of sebaceous cyst
CT scan
Ultrasound
Punch biopsy

DO's

Take care of the skin

Apply hot compress

DONT's

Do not touch

Do not try to prick

TREATMENTS

NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Nonsurgical treatment options for sebaceous cysts include:

Warm compresses: Applying a warm, moist compress to the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and promote drainage of the cyst.

Topical antibiotics: If the cyst is infected, applying a topical antibiotic cream or ointment may help to reduce inflammation and prevent further infection.

Steroid injections: Injecting a steroid medication directly into the cyst can help to reduce inflammation and shrink the cyst.

Drainage: If the cyst is large or causing discomfort, a healthcare provider may use a needle or incision to drain the fluid from the cyst.

SURGICAL TREATMENTS

Wide excision surgery: The conventional method of excising the cyst with a wider incision is made in the skin. This type of surgery leaves comparatively longer scars after treatment.

Minimal excision surgery: The type of excisional surgery involves a minor incision that leaves a minimal scar on the skin.

Punch excision: Type of excision that removes cysts along with surrounding skin using a scalpel.

Laser excision : Type of treatment that uses a laser to make a minor hole for draining the cyst contents.

RISKS AND COMPLICATIONS

A sebaceous cyst is commonly harmless but may become cancerous. The cancerous cyst is painful and red and should be removed as early as possible. Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing sebaceous cysts are:

Puberty
Skin damage
Certain Genetic disorders

Complications

Infection
Cyst rupture
Inflammation
Skin cancer

IF LEFT UNTREATED

If the sebaceous cyst is left untreated, it may grow over time. Abnormally large sebaceous cyst cause lot of discomfort and disrupt the ease of wearing clothes.

COST

The average cost of surgical treatment to remove a sebaceous cyst is ₹25,000 - ₹35,000. The cost varies on the type of surgical procedure, hospital facilities and cities.

Financial Options

No Cost EMI

Cashless
(Insurance)

Reimbursement
(Insurance)

INSURANCE COVERAGE

Whether a sebaceous cyst is covered by health insurance will depend on a number of factors, including the patient's insurance plan, the severity of the cyst, and the recommended treatment.

In general, sebaceous cyst removal may be covered by health insurance if it is considered medically necessary. For example, if the cyst is causing discomfort, pain, or infection, or if it is located in a cosmetically sensitive area, insurance may cover the cost of surgical removal. However, if the cyst is small and asymptomatic, insurance may not cover the cost of removal as it may be considered a cosmetic procedure.

It is important to check with the patient's insurance provider to determine their specific coverage and out-of-pocket expenses for the diagnosis and treatment of a sebaceous cyst.

sebaceous cysts treatment insurance plan

View All

Mangesh Man ...
Sebaceous c ...

Hi, my name is Mangesh and I got to know about Glamyo Health while checking for a good healthcare provider online. I had Sebaceo read more

SHAIKH ABBA ...
Sebaceous c ...

Hello all, I recently had Sebaceous Cyst surgery for which I contacted Glamyo Health team. I am thrilled to share that everythin read more

Ruchika Gai ...
Sebaceous c ...

Hi, my name is Ruchika. I found out about Glamyo Health through Facebook. It was such a wonderful experience for me and my surge read more

pawan karol ...
Sebaceous c ...

Many times, I searched and visited multiple doctors to get the cure for my condition, but never fully satisfied I brand hopeless read more

Aman Sharma
Sebaceous c ...

Hello friends, the best experience and full cooperation. I found out about Glamyo Health online and I filled the enquiry regardi read more

Ria Banerje ...
Sebaceous c ...

Hello, everyone, I would just like to give my feedback that my Lipoma treatment went very smoothly. I am beyond happy to receive read more

Jashima Gan ...
Sebaceous c ...

My overall experience was good. I was picked up from my home to the hospital by cab. Had cashless hospitalization. Glamyo Healt read more

Amit choudh ...
Sebaceous c ...

Hi friends, my name is Amit Choudhary and I am from New Delhi. I had a big size lipoma on my neck area and I used to hesitate to read more

Ashish Rain ...
Sebaceous c ...

My overall experience was good. I was picked up from my home to the hospital by cab. Received 1 dinner & 1 breakfast. Had cashle read more

Avnish kuma ...
Sebaceous c ...

I was coordinating with Mr. Sahil Kukreja and he arranged everything just by coordinating over the phone. I must say all the Gla read more

View All

CONSULT NOW

CALL NOW

Dr. Meenakshi Sundaram

Rating

Madurai

12+ Years of Experience

Well versed in

Past Experience : General Surgeon at Disha Hospital , Madurai

CONSULT NOW

CALL NOW

Dr. Pradeep Kumar N

MBBS, DNB - Plastic Surgery

General Surgeon | Rating

Bangalore

11+ Years of Experience

Well versed in English, Kannada

Past Experience : Ex- Plastic Surgeon at Ayu Health Hospitals

Know more about Sebaceous Cysts

Glamyo Health provides the best and safest options for surgical treatment for sebaceous cysts. Know the best Doctors in Delhi and clinics in Delhi. Looking for effective treatment of Axillary breast Surgery?

Sebaceous cysts are usually small and painless, and they often go unnoticed unless they become inflamed or infected. When this happens, the cyst may become red, swollen, and painful. It may also start to leak a yellow, oily substance.

Read about the Advanced surgical options available to get rid of sebaceous cysts Permanently. If you have questions on how long it takes to recover from surgery, know the estimated time of Surgery Recovery time. We provide you with our happy patient reviews to know their journey throughout the surgical treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sebaceous cysts are treated by various methods like laser excision, punch excision, and traditional wide excision method. Certain sebaceous cysts are also injected with some steroids to help heal swelling and redness.

Sebaceous cysts develop due to blockage or damage to the sebaceous gland or ducts. This may happen due to a scratch, acne, a skin condition , or surgical cut or wound.

Squeezing or popping the sebaceous cyst can prove to be a dangerous attempt. It can cause infection and inflammtion that require more dermatological treatment that previous cyst treatment.

True cysts that develop as a result of damage or blockage of sebaceous gland or ducts contain oily yellowish material.

Most of the cysts may resolve naturally with time but often comes back. If sebaceous cysts is causing more problem and bothering you by recurrence, then you must consult the healthcare provider.

Mostly, the sebaceous cysts are harmless and there rae very rare cases where they become malignant or cancerous. The slow growing sebaceous cysts are not life threatening while teh ones that appear to grow faster may be cancerous.

Most cysts are not dangerous, but some can be. It depends on the type of cyst, its location, and whether it is causing symptoms or not.

Cysts can be removed surgically or drained with a needle or catheter. The method used depends on the type and location of the cyst.

Some cysts may go away on their own, but others may persist or grow larger. It depends on the type of cyst and its underlying cause.

A cyst is not always a tumor, but it can be. Cysts are usually fluid-filled sacs that are typically benign, while tumors are abnormal growths that can be benign or malignant.

Piles Surgery

Circumcision Surgery

Gallstone Surgery

Cataract Surgery

Hernia Treatment

Kidney Stone Removal

Clear Aligners

Sebaceous Cyst: Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

WHAT IS A SEBACEOUS CYST