A sebaceous cyst (atheroma) is a tumor-like neoplasm that appears when the duct of the sebaceous gland is blocked.. Most people develop at least one atheroma during their lifetime..

Atheromas usually do not cause concern, with the exception of a cosmetic defect. Types Cystic formations of the sebaceous glands are divided into two groups:.

True (primary atheromas) - are nevoid tumors, arise from the appendages of the epidermis.

False cysts (retention or secondary atheromas) - appear due to thickening of sebum and / or blockage of the excretory duct of the sebaceous gland.

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Characteristics.

True.

Characterized by slower growth, can reach very large sizes. Such tumors are more often observed in females on the scalp..

retention.

Characterized by faster growth. May be multiple, tend to coalesce to form lumpy conglomerates. Usually painless, may have a cyanotic tint, localized mainly in the behind-the-ear crease, on the cheeks, neck, at the wings of the nose, on the chest, back. On the surface of the retention cystic formation, there may be a noticeably enlarged opening, from which the contents of the tumor may protrude from time to time (when pressed or spontaneously).

Causes and risk factors for the appearance of atheromaThe occurrence of atheroma is possible on any part of the human body that has hair. However, most often this formation appears on the skin of the head, face (often localized below the mouth), neck, back, genital area.

A common cause of the development of the pathological process is blockage of the duct of the sebaceous gland.. Also, atheromas can occur with swelling of the hair follicle (for example, if it is damaged), rupture of the sebaceous gland.

Secondary atheromas often occur when there is a violation of the outflow of secretion of the gland in patients with phlegmonous acne, oily seborrhea, hyperhidrosis.

Risk factors include:.

hormonal disorders (for example, increased testosterone levels);

prolonged exposure to direct sunlight;

frequent traumatization of the skin (for example, when shaving);

metabolic disease;

improper use of cosmetics.

Symptoms As can be seen in the photo, atheroma is a densely elastic mobile formation, located superficially, which has clear contours.. The skin over it is not changed.

With the development of an infectious-inflammatory process, the cystic cavity can be filled with purulent contents, sometimes with an admixture of blood. The skin over the cystic formation is covered with a network of dilated capillaries, enlarged pores may be visible on the surface of the atheroma. Usually cystic formation is 0.5-5.0 cm in diameter, but with inflammation it can increase to large sizes..

With inflammation, neoplasms can be noted:.

redness and swelling of the skin over atheroma;

increase in education in size;

pain aggravated by touching the affected area;

secretion of a foul-smelling substance that may be whitish-gray in color;

local temperature increase.

In case of inflammation and suppuration, atheroma can break out on its own. A breakthrough of an inflamed neoplasm into the subcutaneous tissue and its infection can lead to the development of an abscess and phlegmon.

Complications If atheroma is on the scalp for a long time, this can lead to hair loss above it.

In rare cases, atheroma can become malignant, leading to the development of squamous cell skin cancer in a patient..

Diagnosis: A dermatologist's examination is usually sufficient to make a diagnosis.. In doubtful cases, consultation with an oncologist may be required..

When collecting complaints and anamnesis, special attention is paid to the presence of allergies in the patient, concomitant diseases (diabetes mellitus, etc.).. ), the use of drugs that can affect the blood coagulation system.

For the purposes of differential diagnosis, it may be necessary to:.

Ultrasound - allows you to differentiate atheroma from fibroma (benign tumor of connective tissue), lipoma (neoplasm of adipose tissue), benign tumors of sweat glands;

histological laboratory examination - allows to exclude a malignant neoplasm, Malherbe's epithelioma;

x-ray examination of the bones of the skull - is performed in the presence of cystic formations of the sebaceous glands of large sizes on the head in order to exclude a craniocerebral hernia.

Atheromas can reach large sizesTreatmentIf the atheroma is small and does not cause concern to a person, treatment may not be carried out. In such cases, expectant tactics are usually chosen..

Conservative therapy In the presence of an inflammatory process, the patient may be prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs in the form of an ointment, ultrahigh-frequency therapy. After the inflammation disappears, the formation is removed. In the presence of an infectious process, the patient is shown taking antibacterial drugs..

Removal by minimally invasive methods Commonly used methods for treating atheromas in the early stages include:.

Laser removal of education. Performed under local anesthesia. When removing a neoplasm on the head, it is usually not necessary to shave the hair..

Electrocoagulation. Used in the absence of inflammation in relation to small atheromas.

Cryodestruction. It is used in the presence of small inflamed cystic formations that are located close to the surface of the skin.

SurgerySurgery may be required to remove atheromas. The operation to remove the cystic formation of the sebaceous gland does not require hospitalization, it is performed on an outpatient basis. In very rare cases, general anesthesia may be necessary (for example, with a giant cystic formation), basically the intervention is performed under local anesthesia.

Before the operation is required:.

pass all the necessary tests;

stop smoking and drinking alcohol;

do not eat 4 hours before surgery.

During surgery, according to one of the methods, the skin is cut with a scalpel (while avoiding damage to the tumor capsule), after which it is gently pressed on the edges of the wound, exfoliating the atheroma, then cosmetic sutures and a bandage are applied.

In the surgical treatment of atheroma, special attention is paid to completely removing the formation capsule, since otherwise the remaining part of the capsule may cause recurrence..

On the first day after surgical removal of the neoplasm, the patient may experience an increase in body temperature to subfebrile values.. With a significant increase in the level of this indicator (more than 38 ° C), the development of edema and pain at the site of the operation, you should seek medical help.

Prevention To prevent the development of cystic formations in the presence of oily skin and / or acne, it is recommended:.

Conduct professional facial cleansing at a beautician, as well as thoroughly cleanse the skin at home, following the recommendations of a specialist.

Limit fatty foods and foods high in simple carbohydrates.

Strictly adhere to the rules of personal hygiene.

Limit the use of decorative cosmetics, use quality skin care products.

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