Cysts
A cyst is a closed sac that has a lining and contents that are liquid or semi-solid.
Cyst reduction using diathermy is not strictly removal but rather a treatment. The needle is inserted into the cyst and the current is released; this softens or desiccates the contents. Total removal of the sac is achieved only through minor surgery under local anaesthetic and will result in a scar.
Sebaceous Cysts
A true sebaceous cyst are usually soft to touch and are generally located on the scalp, face, neck and/or back. They are relatively rare.
Epidermoid Cysts
Epidermoid cysts are yellow or whitish, round, sometimes dome-shaped raised bumps, lying just under the skin's surface. They can range in size from those that are smaller than a pea to those that are several centimetres across. They are twice more likely to be seen in men than women and are commonly seen on the face, neck and trunk.
Pilar cyst
Pilar cysts can be distinguished by the lack of a central punctum and are most likely seen in areas of dense hair follicles. They are firm, skin coloured to white, slow growing mobile nodules ranging from 5mm to 5cm in diameter.
An estimated 5-10% of the population will develop a pilar cyst and of that number 90% will appear on the scalp.
Sebaceous hyperplasia
Sebaceous hyperplasia is a disorder of the sebaceous glands. Blemishes can be single or multiple and manifest as cream to yellowish, soft, small papules, usually with a central punctum or umbilicaton, on the face (particularly nose, cheeks and forehead). The surface is usually smooth and shiny, although they are occasionally rough. The appearance of the lobular papules gives the cyst a distinctive 'doughnut' or 'cauliflower' presentation and prominent blood vessels can sometimes be seen. Although commonly associated with hair follicles, sebaceous hyperplasia blemishes can be found in hairless areas as well. When newly formed, they may swell after perspiration, although as the blemish age this will become less obvious. They are asymptomatic although may become red, irritated and painful after scratching, shaving or being otherwise disturbed.
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