Sebaceous cyst back of neck. Forehead Cysts: Causes, Types, and Treatment Options

22.07.202311.06.2023 by alexxlab

What causes cysts to form on the forehead. How can forehead cysts be diagnosed and treated. What are the differences between epidermoid, pilar, and acne cysts on the forehead. When should you see a doctor about a forehead cyst.

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Understanding Forehead Cysts: Types and Characteristics

Cysts are closed pockets of tissue that can contain fluid, air, pus, or other materials. While they can form in any part of the body, cysts on the forehead are relatively common. There are three main types of cysts that typically appear on the forehead:

Epidermoid cysts
Pilar cysts
Acne cysts

Each type has distinct characteristics that can help in identification and treatment. Understanding these differences is crucial for proper management and deciding when to seek medical attention.

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts, also known as epidermal cysts or sebaceous cysts, are the most common type found on the forehead. These cysts have several defining features:

Filled with dead skin cells
Slow-growing
Generally painless
May have a tiny central opening (punctum)
Can become tender if infected
May drain grayish, sometimes malodorous material when infected

Are epidermoid cysts dangerous? In most cases, epidermoid cysts are benign and pose no significant health risk. However, they can become infected or cause discomfort due to their size or location.

Pilar Cysts

Pilar cysts, also called trichilemmal cysts or wens, are less common on the forehead but can occur. They have distinct characteristics:

Form from hair follicles
Round and smooth in appearance
Firm to the touch
Filled with keratin
Lack a central opening
Most commonly found on the scalp

Can pilar cysts appear on the forehead? While pilar cysts are more frequently found on the scalp, they can occasionally develop on the forehead, especially near the hairline.

Acne Cysts

Acne cysts, a severe form of acne, can also appear on the forehead. These cysts have unique attributes:

Form in the deeper layers of skin
Appear as soft, red bumps
Filled with pus
Often painful
May be felt beneath the skin before becoming visible
Do not come to a head like typical pimples

How do acne cysts differ from other forehead cysts? Unlike epidermoid or pilar cysts, acne cysts are directly related to the skin’s oil production and bacterial activity. They are often more inflamed and can lead to scarring if not properly treated.

Causes and Risk Factors for Forehead Cysts

Understanding the underlying causes of forehead cysts can help in prevention and management. While the exact cause may vary depending on the type of cyst, several factors can contribute to their development:

Blocked sebaceous glands
Trauma or injury to the skin
Hormonal imbalances
Genetic predisposition
Excessive sun exposure
Certain skin conditions or syndromes

Do certain lifestyle factors increase the risk of developing forehead cysts? While not always preventable, maintaining good skin hygiene, protecting your skin from excessive sun exposure, and managing underlying skin conditions can help reduce the risk of cyst formation.

Diagnosing Forehead Cysts: When to See a Doctor

While many forehead cysts are harmless, it’s important to have any new growth examined by a healthcare professional. Seek medical attention if you notice:

Rapid growth of the cyst
Redness, warmth, or pain around the cyst
Discharge or bleeding from the cyst
Changes in the cyst’s appearance or texture
Interference with vision or daily activities

How do doctors diagnose forehead cysts? Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and medical history review. In some cases, imaging tests or a biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Forehead Cysts

The treatment approach for forehead cysts depends on the type, size, location, and whether they’re causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Common treatment options include:

Observation: For small, asymptomatic cysts
Injection: Steroid medication to reduce inflammation
Drainage: Incision and removal of cyst contents
Surgical excision: Complete removal of the cyst and its wall
Laser therapy: Vaporization of the cyst using a carbon dioxide laser
Medication: Antibiotics for infected cysts or isotretinoin for severe acne cysts

Which treatment is most effective for forehead cysts? The most appropriate treatment depends on individual factors and should be determined by a healthcare professional. Surgical excision often provides the best long-term results by preventing recurrence.

Complications and Recurrence of Forehead Cysts

While most forehead cysts are benign, they can lead to complications if left untreated. Potential issues include:

Infection and abscess formation
Scarring
Recurrence after incomplete removal
Rare malignant transformation

How can cyst recurrence be prevented? Complete surgical excision, including removal of the cyst wall, offers the best chance of preventing recurrence. However, new cysts may still form in other areas.

Differentiating Forehead Cysts from Other Growths

Forehead cysts can sometimes be confused with other skin growths, particularly lipomas. Understanding the differences can aid in proper diagnosis and treatment:

Cysts vs. Lipomas

Cysts have a more defined shape than lipomas
Cysts are typically firmer than lipomas
Cysts don’t move under the skin as easily as lipomas
Cysts can grow larger than 3 centimeters, while lipomas usually don’t
Cysts can be painful, whereas lipomas are generally painless
Cysts often cause skin redness and irritation, which is uncommon with lipomas

Why is it important to distinguish between cysts and lipomas? Proper identification ensures appropriate treatment, as management strategies may differ between these two types of growths.

Home Remedies and Prevention for Forehead Cysts

While medical treatment is often necessary for forehead cysts, some home care measures and preventive strategies can be helpful:

Maintain good skin hygiene
Avoid picking or squeezing cysts
Apply warm compresses to promote drainage of infected cysts
Use non-comedogenic skincare products
Protect your skin from excessive sun exposure
Manage underlying skin conditions like acne

Can forehead cysts be prevented entirely? While not all cysts can be prevented, these measures can help reduce the risk of cyst formation and complications.

Living with Forehead Cysts: Psychological and Social Impacts

Forehead cysts, especially large or noticeable ones, can have psychological and social impacts on individuals. These may include:

Reduced self-esteem
Social anxiety
Depression
Avoidance of social situations

How can individuals cope with the psychological impact of forehead cysts? Seeking support from friends, family, or mental health professionals can be beneficial. Additionally, exploring treatment options with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon can help address both physical and emotional concerns.

Forehead cysts, while often benign, can be a source of discomfort and concern for many individuals. Understanding the different types, causes, and treatment options empowers patients to make informed decisions about their care. Whether opting for medical intervention or choosing to monitor a cyst, regular follow-up with a healthcare provider ensures proper management and early detection of any potential complications. By combining medical expertise with personal care strategies, individuals can effectively manage forehead cysts and maintain overall skin health.

Cyst on Forehead: Causes and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on September 14, 2018

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can be filled with fluid, air, pus or other material. Cysts can form in any tissue in the body and the majority are noncancerous (benign). Depending on type and location, they be drained or surgically removed.

There are a number of different types cysts. Some are typically found on specific areas of the body. If you have a cyst on your forehead, it is likely an epidermoid cyst, an acne cyst or a pilar cyst.

Epidermoid Cyst

Here are some characteristics of an epidermoid cyst:

filled with dead skin cells
typically grows slowly
typically not painful
might have tiny hole in center (punctum)
tender if infected
drains grayish — and sometimes smelly — material, if infected
also called epidermal cyst, epidermal inclusion, epithelial cyst, follicular infundibular cyst, or keratin cyst

Pilar Cyst

These are traits of a pilar cyst:

forms from hair follicle
round
smooth
firm
filled with cytokeratin
does not have tiny hole in center (punctum)
most commonly found on scalp
also called trichilemmal cyst, isthmus-catagen cyst, or a wen

Acne Cyst

Here are some attributes of an acne cyst:

formed on the inner layers of skin
soft red bump
pus filled
painful
often felt beneath the skin before seen
does not come to a head like a pimple
also called cyst acne or cystic acne

The term sebaceous cyst refers to either an epidermoid cyst or a pilar cyst.

Unless your cyst is bothering you, chances are your dermatologist will recommend you leave it alone.

If it is bothering you physically, or if you feel it is uncomfortably conspicuous, suggested treatment might include:

Injection. The cyst is injected with steroid medication to decrease redness and swelling.
Drainage. An incision is made in the cyst and the contents are drained.
Surgery. The entire cyst is removed. There might be stitches.
Laser. The cyst is vaporized with a carbon dioxide laser.
Medication. If infected, doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.

If the cyst is acne related, your doctor might also recommend:

isotretinoin
oral contraceptives (for women)

There are two primary medical complications with cysts:

They can become infected and may form abscesses.
If not completely removed by surgery, they may return.

Because at first look both cysts and lipomas can appear quite similar, often one is mistaken for the other.

A lipoma is a benign fatty tumor located just under the skin. They are typically dome-shaped, feel soft and rubbery, and move slightly when you press your finger on them.

Lipomas generally do not get larger than 3 centimeters in length and, in most cases, are not painful.

There are a few differences between a cyst and a lipoma. For example, cysts:

have a more defined shape than a lipoma
are firmer than a lipoma
don’t move like a lipoma
can grow larger than 3 centimeters
can be painful
often leave the skin red and irritated, while lipomas typically don’t

Unless the lipoma is painful or bothering you from a cosmetic perspective, it is often left alone. If the decision is made to get rid of the lipoma, it can typically be removed through an incision that will likely require stitches.

If you discover a cyst on your forehead — or a new growth anywhere on your body — you should have it examined by your doctor.

If you have a cyst on your forehead that has been diagnosed, call your doctor if continues to grow or if it has become red and painful.

If you are bothered by the cyst for cosmetic reasons, your doctor, a dermatologist, or a plastic surgeon should be able to remove it.

Last medically reviewed on September 14, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Cunliffe T. (2016). Pilar cyst (syn. trichilemmal cyst).
pcds.org.uk/clinical-guidance/pilar-cyst-syn.-trichilemmal-cyst
Cyst. (2018).
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003240. htm
Epidermoid and pilar cysts. (2017).
bad.org.uk/shared/get-file.ashx?id=198&itemtype=document
Epidermoid cyst. (2018).
medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000842.htm
Lipoma. (2018).
orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/lipoma
Sebaceous cysts. (2016).
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14165-sebaceous-cysts
Velez, A. A., et al. (2011). An inflamed trichilemmal (pilar) cyst: Not so simple?
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3271400/

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on September 14, 2018

Earlobe Cyst: Causes, Treatments, and More

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A bump on your earlobe may be a cyst. It can go away on its own but if you experience other symptoms, you may need medical attention.

It’s common to develop bumps on and around your earlobe called cysts. They are similar in appearance to pimples, but they’re different.

Some cysts do not need treatment. If the cyst causes pain or does not go away, you should seek the help of a medical professional.

Earlobe cysts are saclike lumps made of dead skin cells. They look like small, smooth bumps under the skin, similar to a blemish. They vary slightly in color, from matching your skin pigmentation to red.

Usually, they are no bigger than the size of a pea. But you should watch them to see if they change in size.

They’re almost always benign and should cause no problems other than being a minor cosmetic issue or small distraction. For example, it can feel uncomfortable if your headphones rub against them.

Other places you can find cysts include:

inside your ear
behind your ear
in your ear canal

If a cyst gets damaged, it can leak a fluid called keratin, which is similar in texture to toothpaste.

An earlobe cyst is also known as an epidermoid cyst. These occur when epidermis cells that should have been shed get deeper into your skin and multiply. These cells form the walls of the cyst and secrete keratin, which fills up the cyst.

Damaged hair follicles or oil glands can cause them. Cysts also often tend to run in families or can form for no reason. They occur in most people at some point. They may appear on the scalp as well as the earlobes. However, they are generally no cause for concern.

There are factors that may put you at a higher risk for developing a cyst. These include:

having a rare syndrome or genetic disorder
being past the age of puberty, as cysts rarely develop in children or babies
having a history of or are currently experiencing acne, as your skin is more prone to developing lumps of fluid
having skin injuries that cause cells to react in an atypical way and bury themselves deeper into the skin, causing a lump to form

If you feel a bump around your earlobe, it is most likely a benign cyst and will usually go away without treatment. Sometimes the cyst will get bigger, but it should still go away without treatment.

You should see a doctor if the cyst:

gets large
causes you pain
affects your hearing

You should also watch its color. If the color begins to change, it may be infected. You should seek the help of a medical professional to have it removed via a simple incision.

The treatment for a cyst depends on its severity. If the cyst does not cause any problems, you do not need to treat it. It should disappear without treatment.

You may want to remove it if you find the cyst bothersome, the pain is significant, or the cyst grows to an uncomfortable size. Also, if the cyst causes any prolonged pain or hearing loss, you should make an appointment with a doctor to avoid an infection.

A doctor can remove it with an operation under a local anesthetic. The doctor will cut the cyst, pull it out, and stitch up the skin.

If the cyst grows back, which can sometimes happen, it can easily be removed again.

Earlobe cysts are almost always benign and disappear without treatment. They are usually nothing more than a minor distraction.

If they grow and begin to cause pain or even a slight loss of hearing, you should immediately make an appointment with your doctor to discuss treatment options.

Last medically reviewed on March 28, 2022

How we reviewed this article:

Araujo KM, et al. (2020). Cutaneous angiomyolipoma of the ear: A rare diagnostic challenge.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7247638/
Oakley A. (2016). Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts.
dermnetnz.org/topics/cutaneous-cysts-and-pseudocysts
Pérez-Guisado J, et al. (2012). Giant earlobe epidermoid cyst.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3339128/
Zito PM, et al. (2021). Epidermoid cyst.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499974/

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Feb 3, 2023

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Mar 28, 2022

Medically Reviewed By

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Medically reviewed by Avi Varma, MD, MPH, AAHIVS, FAAFP — By Jennifer Purdie — Updated on February 3, 2023

Neck cyst – signs, causes and methods of treatment in “SM-Clinic”

The surgeon treats this disease

About the disease
Species
Neck cyst symptoms
Causes of neck cysts
Neck cyst diagnosis
Neck cyst treatment
Prophylaxis
Rehabilitation
Questions and Answers
Doctors

About the disease

Recently, congenital anomalies of the neck and face have become more common, which may be due to poor environmental conditions (primarily worsening background radiation). Lateral soft tissue cysts are usually diagnosed immediately after birth (often combined with the presence of a fistulous tract), median cysts are diagnosed several years later.

Cervical cysts are not only an aesthetic defect. The inconvenience is also associated with the presence of pathological discharge from the fistula, painful sensations when swallowing. In some cases, neck cysts are accompanied by the development of inflammation. In 1-2% of patients there is also a risk of malignant degeneration.

Treatment involves surgery. Puncture and introduction of sclerosants into the cyst cavity is not very effective.

Species

According to the classification, the following types of neck cysts are distinguished:

median (central) – located along the central vertical of the neck;
lateral (lateral) – localized on the right or left.

Congenital cysts of the neck are often accompanied by fistulas. If the fistulous canal has 2 openings (one opens on the skin of the anterior surface of the neck, and the other on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity), then it is complete. A fistula is considered incomplete when there is only 1 fistula.

Neck cyst symptoms

Lateral neck cysts are more common than median cysts. Often they are asymptomatic for a long time. The tumor-like formation usually becomes well visualized when the head is turned to the side contralateral to the cyst. Cystic formation is usually elastic to the touch, not soldered to the surrounding tissues. Subjective symptoms of neck cysts with lateral localization usually appear when the contents are suppurated or when the formation is large, when there is compression of the large vessels and nerves of the neck.

Central cysts are usually located in the space between the superior surface of the thyroid cartilage and the hyoid bone. The position of the cyst can vary, being somewhat away from the midline, above the hyoid bone, below the upper edge of the thyroid cartilage.

Median cysts of the neck are usually round, elastic to the touch and little mobile. They move a little when swallowing. In the absence of complications, the skin over the cyst is not changed, while the skin can be taken in a fold. When feeling the formation of pain is absent. As a rule, the size of the central cysts is usually 20-40 mm. With suppuration of the median cyst, the likelihood of the formation of a fistulous tunnel increases. Fistulas are formed when pus finds a way out (the fistulous opening is located on the front surface of the neck. Fistulous discharge can periodically irritate the skin and lead to its maceration.

Causes of a cyst in the neck

Causes of a cyst in the neck are associated with a deviation from the normal course of the embryonic period.

Lateral cysts. It is believed that their formation is due to the non-closure of the gill furrows. As a rule, this pathological process is associated with the action of unfavorable factors on the embryo at the 4-6th week of development.
Median cysts. It is believed that they develop as a result of a delay in the reverse development (reduction) of the prenatal existing thyroid duct (it extends from the blind opening of the tongue to the thyroid gland). If this duct does not undergo reverse development, then it can transform into derivatives such as the pyramidal process of the thyroid gland, accessory thyroid glands, cysts and fistulas. The impact of unfavorable factors on the embryo at the 6-7th week of development creates prerequisites for the formation of median cysts.

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

To learn more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist, you can call:

+7 (495) 777-48-49

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Why SM-Clinic?

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical recommendations

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

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Neck cyst diagnostics

In order to diagnose and differential diagnosis of cysts and fistulas of the neck, paraclinical studies are carried out to exclude the specific nature of the pathological formations of the anterior surface of the neck.

Contrast radiography – allows you to determine the size of the cyst, the nature of its structure, the presence of lateral branches, connection with the hyoid bone.
Ultrasound scanning – ultrasound shows the size of the formation, its structure and connection with nearby organs.
Computed (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – performed in complex clinical cases and allows you to assess in detail what the cyst looks like and what signs are characteristic of it.
Puncture and cytological examination of the contents.

The final diagnosis of neck cysts is based on imaging data. And sometimes a morphological assessment of the cellular composition is also required.

Expert opinion

Although central cysts and fistulas of the neck are prenatal anomalies, they are rarely detected immediately after birth. As a rule, they are diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, sometimes even in adulthood. This feature is due to the fact that the central cysts increase in size very slowly, usually within 8-10 years. As practice shows, most often the time interval from the onset of the first symptoms to the visit to the doctor is from 6 months to 3 years.

Shikhaleva Natalya Gennadievna

Traumatologist-orthopedist, plastic surgeon, doctor of the highest category, MD

Treatment of neck cysts

Treatment of neck cysts is performed surgically.

Conservative treatment

The introduction of sclerosing agents into the cyst cavity is not very effective, so this method is practically not used at present.

Surgical treatment

Recently, in operations to remove median cysts and fistulas of the neck, doctors have begun to use microsurgical technology. The method allows you to consider in more detail all possible branches of the fistulous tract or strand and radically excise them, isolate the fistula or cyst from soldered and scar tissue.

Prevention

Pregravid preparation and creation of optimal conditions for prolonging pregnancy (reducing the risk of infectious diseases in a pregnant woman, protection from radiation, providing the body of a pregnant woman with vitamins and minerals, avoiding unreasonable use of drugs) can reduce the likelihood of formation of neck cysts.

Rehabilitation

After surgery, the patient is recommended to come for dressings and antiseptic treatment of the surgical wound. This helps to create optimal conditions for tissue repair and wound healing.

Questions and Answers

This condition is diagnosed and treated by a general surgeon, an orthopedic traumatologist, and in some cases, the assistance of an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is also required.

The contents of the cysts are viscous, opaque with a yellowish tint. The inflammatory process to which cysts are subject leads to the formation of persistent fistulas. Very often, the inflammatory process in cysts is provoked by viral colds and foci of chronic infection of the pharynx (chronic tonsillitis, chronic pharyngitis, hypertrophy of the lingual tonsil). Neck cysts can also suppurate and undergo malignant transformation.

Bogdanov K.P. About median cysts and fistulas of the neck. Anatomical and topographic characteristics: author. dis. … cand. honey. Sciences. – M., 1963. – 14 p.

Kiselev A.S., Pazhetnev A.N. Branchiogenic brushes and fistulas of the neck and face // Ros. otorhinolaryngitis – 2007. – No. 5. – P. 91–94.

Shulga I. A., Zheleznov A. M., Shulga A. I. Median cysts and fistulas of the neck, their surgical treatment. – Orenburg, 2007. – 116 p.

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Atheroma – what is it and how to treat it?

Atheroma is an epidermal or follicular cyst filled with a pasty substance or the cyst’s own secretions.

That is, it is a subcutaneous capsule containing curd mass. This curdled mass is the accumulated secretions of the sebaceous gland, which often have an unpleasant odor. Sometimes there is a hole in the middle of the formation, from which the contents of an unpleasant color and smell are released. Sometimes atheromas are multiple.

Causes of atheroma?

There are many reasons for the appearance of atheromas. Most often, atheroma occurs due to blockage of the excreted duct of the duct of the sebaceous gland or swelling of the hair follicle (sac). swelling of the follicle may occur due to damage. As a rule, one hair grows from one follicle (hair follicle), and after injury and hair removal, the exit from the follicle can be blocked, especially against the background of high testosterone levels. The remaining part of the sebaceous gland continues to secrete sebaceous secretions and, as a result, the former follicle increases in size and turns into a large atheroma. Injury or rupture of the sebaceous glands themselves. Part of such a gland after an injury or inflammatory process (furuncle or carbuncle) may be under the skin, and since the gland continues to work and secrete a sebaceous secret, atheroma appears. The appearance of atheromas can also be influenced by hereditary and hormonal factors, such as increased testosterone levels.

What is inside an atheroma?

Contents of atheroma are filled with secretions, usually sebaceous glands. As a rule, these are fatty and keratinized substances of a fibrous structure. Outwardly, this mixture resembles cottage cheese. If an infection has penetrated into the atheroma, then the contents turn into a purulent mass of various colors from white to brown and mixed with blood.

Who gets atheromas more often?

Atheromas are very common and in most people throughout life, at least one appears. They appear for no apparent reason. True, it is believed that men appear twice as often. By age – the peak of the appearance of atheromas occurs at 20-30 years, but people go to the doctor more often at a later age, when atheromas grow to an impressive size.

On which part of the body do atheromas appear more often?

Atheromas are most often found on the scalp, face, ears, neck, shoulders, back and chest. In men, atheromas occur on the scrotum. On the scalp, if the atheroma is for a long time, this can lead to hair loss in this area, directly above the atheroma.

What is the danger of atheroma?

Atheromas are benign neoplasms (not cancerous), but they can become a chronic focus of infection, which leads to other complications. Atheroma, even if not infected with a bacterial infection, can become inflamed and swollen. During inflammation, atheroma is very difficult to remove, so the operation during such a period may be postponed. Serious complications of atheroma are its rupture and infection, which can lead to an abscess and even phlegmon. Very rarely, atheromas can lead to basal and squamous cell skin cancer, but since this rarely occurs, atheroma histological examination is not performed.

How do you know if atheroma is inflamed and infected?

Signs and symptoms indicating inflammation of atheroma: it is reddening of the skin over the atheroma, swelling, increase in size, pain, aggravated by touch, fever, discharge of a white-gray substance over the atheroma with an unpleasant odor. If a person has at least one of the listed signs, then an urgent need to consult a surgeon.

When contacting a surgeon

The doctor will conduct a survey, examination, make an accurate diagnosis. For the diagnosis of atheroma, ultrasound, consultation with an oncologist or dermatologist is sometimes required. After the diagnosis is made, the doctor will prescribe the appropriate treatment. If it is a surgical treatment, he will tell you how it will be carried out: to what extent, by what method, under what anesthesia. Be sure to ask about the tolerance of drugs, allergies, the presence of concomitant diseases, such as diabetes, taking drugs that affect the blood coagulation system. The latter may be a contraindication to surgery. In accordance with generally accepted treatment protocols, he will prescribe a preoperative laboratory examination. After that, he will set the date of the operation or hold it on the day of the appeal, if possible.

How many days to stay in the hospital

The operation is usually performed on an outpatient basis and usually does not require hospitalization in most cases.

How long will the atheroma removal operation take? The operation to remove atheroma is usually performed on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia. The duration of the actual surgical intervention is 15-25 minutes, but the total time taken together with preparation, followed by dressing, paperwork is 45-70 minutes.

What kind of anesthesia is used to remove atheroma?

Removal of atheroma in most cases is performed under local anesthesia. The use of anesthesia is irrational. Local anesthesia is the introduction of an anesthetic using a syringe with a needle into the skin and subcutaneous tissue surrounding and covering the atheroma, or more simply, an anesthetic injection is made. General anesthesia, that is, anesthesia or regional conduction anesthesia, is carried out if there are indications, for example, with a giant atheroma.

Before surgery

On the day of surgery, 4 hours before the actual surgery, it is advisable not to eat or drink anything. Before the operation itself, consent to the surgical intervention is signed and the place where the atheroma is located is photographed.

Emergency surgical treatment for atheroma inflammation

If an atheroma becomes infected, inflamed and an abscess has formed, it is not possible to remove the atheroma. In this case, under sterile conditions under local anesthesia, the atheroma is opened, the purulent contents are evacuated, washed and drained. In the postoperative period, antibiotics are often required. Further, the wound is tightened according to the laws of purulent surgery, the so-called secondary intention. In this case, the atheroma will need to be removed after 3 months to avoid recurrence of inflammation.

Elective surgical treatment

Elective surgery, as a rule, takes place according to the following algorithm:

Preparation and treatment of the surgical field with disinfectants.
Anesthetize the area around the atheroma with local anesthetics.
An incision is made over the atheroma An incision in modern medical institutions can be made both with a scalpel and with a Surgitron radio wave knife (Surgitron) or a laser.
Next, the atheroma is isolated and husked. Atheroma can be removed in two different ways: without violating the membranes as a whole, or with the extraction of the contents of the atheroma in the first place and the membranes in the second. The latter method is used if a small skin incision is made or the atheroma is fragmented.
Next, hemostasis is carried out – that is, they stop bleeding from damaged vessels, if any.
Treat the wound with disinfectants.
Stitch the wound if required. Depending on where the atheroma was located, absorbable, cosmetic, ordinary or reinforced sutures are applied (especially on parts of the body that are actively involved in the movement of the body, for example, in the armpits and on the lower back).
Apply an aseptic bandage to the wound or a sticker, depending on the location of the former atheroma. For small incisions or on the scalp, do not apply a bandage.

Will there be a scar after the operation?

In the incision area, immediately after the operation, a small scar remains, which should disappear with time. How long it will disappear – it depends on the individual characteristics of the organism.

What complications can occur after the operation?

After removal of atheroma, tissue fluid with blood clots may accumulate in the resulting cavity. The danger of the accumulation of this fluid is that this fluid is a potentially ideal environment for the development of infection. To prevent this fluid from accumulating, a pressure bandage or drains are applied, through which this fluid flows out over the next day and thereby prevents the formation of an infectious focus.

After removal of atheroma during the first day, there may be a slight increase in body temperature. But if the temperature rises to a high level (38 g), swelling and pain occur in the area of the postoperative wound, then you should urgently contact the surgeon who performed the operation to exclude infection from entering the postoperative wound, even though the inflammation and infection of the postoperative wound is rare.

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Questions and Answers

Atheroma – what is it and how to treat it?

Atheroma is an epidermal or follicular cyst filled with a pasty substance or the cyst’s own secretions.

Causes of atheroma?

What is inside an atheroma?

Who gets atheromas more often?

On which part of the body do atheromas appear more often?

What is the danger of atheroma?

How do you know if atheroma is inflamed and infected?

When contacting a surgeon

How many days to stay in the hospital

What kind of anesthesia is used to remove atheroma?

Before surgery

Emergency surgical treatment for atheroma inflammation

Elective surgical treatment

Will there be a scar after the operation?

What complications can occur after the operation?

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