Sebaceous Cysts on Back of Neck: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Guide

16.08.202112.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are sebaceous cysts and how do they form on the back of the neck. What causes sebaceous cysts and how are they diagnosed. How are sebaceous cysts treated and when should you see a doctor.

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Understanding Sebaceous Cysts: An Overview

Sebaceous cysts are common, noncancerous growths that develop beneath the skin. While they can appear anywhere on the body, they frequently occur on the face, neck, and torso. These cysts form when a sebaceous gland or its duct becomes damaged or blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum – the oily substance that normally lubricates hair and skin.

Despite their benign nature, sebaceous cysts can become uncomfortable if left unchecked, particularly when they grow large or become infected. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for these cysts is crucial for anyone experiencing this condition.

Causes and Risk Factors of Sebaceous Cysts

The development of sebaceous cysts can be attributed to various factors:

Trauma to the skin (scratches, surgical wounds, or acne)
Blocked or damaged sebaceous gland ducts
Genetic conditions (e.g., Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome)
Hormonal imbalances
Exposure to certain chemicals or environmental toxins

It’s important to note that the trauma leading to cyst formation may have occurred weeks or even months before the cyst becomes noticeable. This delayed onset can sometimes make it challenging to identify the exact cause.

Can lifestyle factors influence the development of sebaceous cysts?

While sebaceous cysts are primarily caused by physical factors, certain lifestyle habits may indirectly contribute to their formation. Poor hygiene, excessive sweating without proper cleansing, and the use of pore-clogging skincare products can increase the risk of blocked sebaceous glands. However, it’s crucial to remember that sebaceous cysts can occur even in individuals with excellent skincare routines.

Identifying Sebaceous Cysts: Signs and Symptoms

Recognizing a sebaceous cyst is the first step towards proper management. These cysts typically present as:

Slow-growing, painless lumps beneath the skin
Round, dome-shaped protrusions
Soft or slightly firm to the touch
Ranging in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters
Sometimes accompanied by a small, dark “plug” at the surface

While smaller cysts are often asymptomatic, larger ones can cause discomfort or pain, especially when located in areas prone to friction or pressure. In some cases, sebaceous cysts may become infected, leading to redness, tenderness, and possible drainage.

How can you distinguish a sebaceous cyst from other skin growths?

Differentiating sebaceous cysts from other skin conditions can be challenging for the untrained eye. Unlike acne, which typically involves inflammation and multiple lesions, sebaceous cysts are usually solitary and lack significant redness unless infected. They also differ from lipomas, which are fatty tumors that feel more rubbery and mobile under the skin. However, a definitive diagnosis should always be made by a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis of Sebaceous Cysts: What to Expect

The diagnosis of sebaceous cysts typically involves a thorough physical examination and a review of the patient’s medical history. During the examination, a healthcare provider will assess the cyst’s size, location, and characteristics. In most cases, this visual and tactile inspection is sufficient for diagnosis.

However, if the cyst appears atypical or there are concerns about potential malignancy, additional diagnostic procedures may be recommended:

Ultrasound imaging to visualize the cyst’s internal structure
Fine-needle aspiration to extract and analyze cyst contents
Biopsy to examine the cyst tissue under a microscope

When should you seek medical attention for a suspected sebaceous cyst?

While many sebaceous cysts are harmless, certain signs warrant prompt medical evaluation:

Rapid growth or change in appearance
Pain, redness, or warmth around the cyst
Drainage or oozing from the cyst
Cysts larger than 5 centimeters in diameter
Cysts in sensitive or highly visible areas

Early assessment can help prevent complications and ensure appropriate treatment if necessary.

Treatment Options for Sebaceous Cysts

The management of sebaceous cysts depends on various factors, including the cyst’s size, location, and whether it’s causing discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Treatment options range from conservative approaches to surgical interventions:

Observation: Small, asymptomatic cysts may not require treatment and can be monitored for changes.
Warm compresses: Applying warm, moist compresses to the cyst can help promote drainage and reduce inflammation.
Incision and drainage: For infected cysts, a doctor may make a small incision to drain the contents and relieve pressure.
Intralesional corticosteroid injection: This can help reduce inflammation and shrink the cyst.
Surgical excision: Complete removal of the cyst and its capsule to prevent recurrence.

What are the pros and cons of surgical excision for sebaceous cysts?

Surgical excision is often considered the most effective treatment for sebaceous cysts, as it removes the entire cyst wall, minimizing the risk of recurrence. However, this approach has both advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

Provides a definitive solution
Allows for histological examination of the cyst
Can improve appearance in visible areas

Cons:

May leave a scar
Requires local anesthesia
Carries a small risk of infection or bleeding

The decision to undergo surgical excision should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering the individual’s specific circumstances and preferences.

Prevention and Self-Care for Sebaceous Cysts

While it’s not always possible to prevent sebaceous cysts, certain measures can help reduce the risk of their formation and manage existing cysts:

Maintain good skin hygiene, particularly in areas prone to cysts
Avoid picking, squeezing, or attempting to drain cysts at home
Protect vulnerable areas from trauma or excessive friction
Use non-comedogenic skincare products to avoid clogging pores
Manage underlying skin conditions, such as acne, under medical guidance

For individuals prone to sebaceous cysts, regular skin checks and prompt attention to any new growths can facilitate early detection and treatment if necessary.

Are there any natural remedies that can help manage sebaceous cysts?

While scientific evidence is limited, some individuals report benefits from natural remedies in managing sebaceous cysts:

Tea tree oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it may help prevent infection
Aloe vera: Can soothe inflammation and promote healing
Apple cider vinegar: May help balance skin pH and reduce inflammation
Castor oil: Thought to improve circulation and promote drainage

It’s important to note that these remedies should not replace professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments, especially if the cyst shows signs of infection or rapid growth.

Living with Sebaceous Cysts: Long-Term Outlook

For many individuals, sebaceous cysts are a minor inconvenience that can be managed effectively with proper care and, when necessary, medical intervention. The long-term outlook for those with sebaceous cysts is generally positive, with most cysts remaining benign and causing minimal disruption to daily life.

However, it’s essential to maintain vigilance and seek medical attention if any concerning changes occur. While rare, there is a small risk of malignant transformation in longstanding cysts, particularly in older adults or those with a history of skin cancer.

How can you cope with the psychological impact of visible sebaceous cysts?

For some individuals, especially when cysts are located in visible areas like the face or neck, the condition can have psychological impacts, affecting self-esteem and body image. Coping strategies may include:

Seeking support from friends, family, or support groups
Exploring cosmetic camouflage techniques with a dermatologist
Considering professional counseling if the cysts significantly impact mental well-being
Focusing on overall health and self-care practices

Remember that sebaceous cysts are a common and treatable condition, and seeking appropriate medical care can help address both physical and emotional concerns.

Advancements in Sebaceous Cyst Treatment

The field of dermatology continues to evolve, bringing new and improved approaches to treating sebaceous cysts. Recent advancements include:

Minimally invasive techniques: Such as laser-assisted puncture and drainage, which may reduce scarring and recovery time
Improved imaging technologies: Allowing for more precise diagnosis and treatment planning
Novel pharmacological approaches: Research into topical treatments that may help shrink or prevent cysts
Enhanced surgical techniques: Resulting in better cosmetic outcomes and lower recurrence rates

These developments offer hope for more effective and less invasive management of sebaceous cysts in the future. However, it’s important to note that many of these approaches are still in the research or early implementation stages and may not be widely available.

What role does genetic research play in understanding and treating sebaceous cysts?

Genetic research is shedding new light on the underlying mechanisms of sebaceous cyst formation. Studies have identified specific genetic mutations associated with an increased risk of developing these cysts, particularly in individuals with certain syndromes like Gardner’s syndrome.

This growing understanding of the genetic components of sebaceous cysts may lead to:

More targeted prevention strategies for high-risk individuals
Development of gene therapies to correct underlying genetic predispositions
Improved ability to predict cyst behavior and tailor treatment approaches

While genetic therapies for sebaceous cysts are not currently available, ongoing research in this area holds promise for future advancements in treatment and prevention.

Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Lydia Krause — Updated on February 7, 2023

A sebaceous cyst is typically benign. But you may choose to have a doctor remove it for cosmetic reasons.

Sebaceous cysts are common, noncancerous cysts of the skin. Cysts are atypical growths in your body that may contain liquid or semiliquid material.

Sebaceous cysts are mostly found on your face, neck, or torso. They grow slowly and aren’t life threatening, but they may become uncomfortable if they go unchecked.

Doctors usually diagnose a cyst with only a physical examination and your medical history.

In some cases, a cyst will be examined more thoroughly for signs of cancer.

Share on PinterestSebaceous Cyst at the upper back. Casa nayafana/Shutterstock

Sebaceous cysts form out of your sebaceous gland. The sebaceous gland produces the oil (called sebum) that coats your hair and skin.

Cysts can develop if the gland or its duct (the passage from which the oil is able to leave) becomes damaged or blocked. This usually occurs due to trauma to the area.

The trauma may be a scratch, a surgical wound, or a skin condition, such as acne. Sebaceous cysts grow slowly, so the trauma may have occurred weeks or months before you notice the cyst.

Other causes of a sebaceous cyst may include:

misshapen or deformed ducts
damage to the cells during surgery
genetic conditions, such as Gardner’s syndrome or basal cell nevus syndrome

Small cysts are typically not painful. Large cysts can range from uncomfortable to considerably painful. Large cysts on the face and neck may cause pressure and pain.

This type of cyst is typically filled with white flakes of keratin, which is also a key element that makes up your skin and nails. Most cysts are soft to the touch.

Areas on the body where cysts are usually found include:

scalp
face
neck
back

A sebaceous cyst is considered atypical — and possibly cancerous — if it has the following characteristics:

a diameter that’s larger than 5 centimeters
a fast rate of reoccurrence after being removed
signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or pus drainage

Your doctor can treat a cyst by draining it or by surgically removing it. Usually, cysts are removed. This doesn’t mean they’re dangerous — it may be for cosmetic reasons.

Since most cysts aren’t harmful to your health, your doctor will allow you to choose the treatment option that works for you.

It’s important to remember that without surgical removal, your cyst will usually come back. The best treatment to ensure complete removal is surgery. However, some people may decide against surgery because it can cause scarring.

Your doctor may use one of the following methods to remove your cyst:

Conventional wide excision. This completely removes a cyst but can leave a long scar.
Minimal excision. A method that causes minimal scarring but carries a risk that the cyst will return.
Laser with punch biopsy excision. This uses a laser to make a small hole to drain the cyst of its contents (the outer walls of the cyst are removed about a month later).

After your cyst is removed, your doctor may give you an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection. You should use this until the healing process is complete. You may also be given a scar cream to reduce the appearance of any surgical scars.

Doctors often diagnose a sebaceous cyst after a simple physical examination. If your cyst is atypical, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out possible cancers. You may also need these tests if you wish to have the cyst surgically removed.

Common tests used for a sebaceous cyst include:

CT scans, which help your doctor spot atypical characteristics and find the best route for surgery
ultrasounds, which identify the contents of the cyst
punch biopsy, which involves removal of a small amount of tissue from the cyst to be examined in a laboratory for signs of cancer

Sebaceous cysts are generally not cancerous. Cysts left untreated can become very large and may eventually require surgical removal if they become uncomfortable.

If you have a complete surgical removal, the cyst will most likely not return in the future.

In rare cases, the removal site may become infected. Contact your doctor if your skin shows any signs of infection, such as redness and pain, or if you develop a fever. Most infections will go away with antibiotics, but some can be deadly if untreated.

Last medically reviewed on December 6, 2021

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.

Hoover E, et al. (2020). Physiology, sebaceous glands.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499819/
Zito PM, et al. (2021). Epidermoid cyst.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499974/

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

Current Version

Feb 7, 2023

Written By

Lydia Krause

Edited By

Shannon Ullman

Copy Edited By

Helena Hoayun

Dec 6, 2021

Medically Reviewed By

Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Lydia Krause — Updated on February 7, 2023

Sebaceous Cyst: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Health Conditions
- Featured
  - Breast Cancer
  - IBD
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  - Rheumatoid Arthritis
  - Type 2 Diabetes
- Articles
  - Acid Reflux
  - ADHD
  - Allergies
  - Alzheimer’s & Dementia
  - Bipolar Disorder
  - Cancer
  - Crohn’s Disease
  - Chronic Pain
  - Cold & Flu
  - COPD
  - Depression
  - Fibromyalgia
  - Heart Disease
  - High Cholesterol
  - HIV
  - Hypertension
  - IPF
  - Osteoarthritis
  - Psoriasis
  - Skin Disorders and Care
  - STDs
Discover
- Wellness Topics
  - Nutrition
  - Fitness
  - Skin Care
  - Sexual Health
  - Women’s Health
  - Mental Well-Being
  - Sleep
- Product Reviews
  - Vitamins & Supplements
  - Sleep
  - Mental Health
  - Nutrition
  - At-Home Testing
  - CBD
  - Men’s Health
- Original Series
  - Fresh Food Fast
  - Diagnosis Diaries
  - You’re Not Alone
  - Present Tense
- Video Series
  - Youth in Focus
  - Healthy Harvest
  - No More Silence
  - Future of Health
Plan
- Health Challenges
  - Mindful Eating
  - Sugar Savvy
  - Move Your Body
  - Gut Health
  - Mood Foods
  - Align Your Spine
- Find Care
  - Primary Care
  - Mental Health
  - OB-GYN
  - Dermatologists
  - Neurologists
  - Cardiologists
  - Orthopedists
- Lifestyle Quizzes
  - Weight Management
  - Am I Depressed? A Quiz for Teens
  - Are You a Workaholic?
  - How Well Do You Sleep?
- Tools & Resources
  - Health News
  - Find a Diet
  - Find Healthy Snacks
  - Drugs A-Z
  - Health A-Z
Connect
- - Breast Cancer
  - Inflammatory Bowel Disease
  - Psoriatic Arthritis
  - Migraine
  - Multiple Sclerosis
  - Psoriasis

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — By Lydia Krause — Updated on February 7, 2023

A sebaceous cyst is typically benign. But you may choose to have a doctor remove it for cosmetic reasons.