Do I Have Epidermoid Cyst?

Do you have a firm, flesh-coloured or yellowish round nodule fixed to the skin surface but mobile over deeper layers?

Do you have a small, round bump under the skin on your face, neck, trunk or groin area?

Do you have lumps with a diameter from 1 to 3 cm?

Do you have a lump with a tiny blackhead plugging its central opening (central punctum)?

Do you have a small painless lump under the skin?

Do you have foul-smelling cheesy debris draining from the central opening of the cyst (central punctum)?

Do you have redness, swelling and tenderness in the affected area?

Do you have a warm skin in the affected area?

Do you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have an epidermoid cyst. An epidermoid cyst is a small lump that develops just under the skin. An epidermoid cyst is a benign cyst that grows slowly over time and often does not require treatment. The skin consists of several layers, and the most superficial layer is called the epidermis. The epidermis is constantly shedding and in this way the old cells are replaced by new ones. Sometimes, the old cells enter deeper into the epidermis and instead of dissolving, they begin to multiply, forming an epidermoid cyst. They can appear on the head, trunk, upper back, or genitals.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have an epidermoid cyst. An epidermoid cyst is a harmless movable lump found under the skin. It is the most common type of skin cyst. The cyst is filled with a soft, yellowish substance called keratin. If the cyst wall ruptures, keratin leaks into the surrounding tissue causing an inflammation. Epidermoid cysts are usually painless and can vary in size. A large cyst can be an aesthetic problem and this is usually the only reason why a person wants to remove it. Your doctor can make a diagnosis on the appearance of the cyst and a skin biopsy.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have an epidermoid cyst. An epidermoid cyst is a movable mass with a smooth surface that can be found on almost any part of the skin. There is no way to prevent them. They are twice more common in men than in women, and affect middle-aged adults. Small epidermoid cysts usually do not require treatment. However, there are several treatment options in case the cyst still needs to be removed. Treatment includes injecting the cyst with a medicine that reduces swelling, making an incision and draining the cyst, or a minor surgery to remove the entire cyst.