Cysts | VCA Animal Hospital

What is a cyst?

Cysts are hollow spaces within tissues that contain either liquid or solidified materials; the contents may be made up of natural bodily secretions (e.g., sebum – the oily waxy substance secreted by the sebaceous glands – or sweat) or abnormal breakdown products such as dead cells or keratin. There are several types of cysts, including true cysts, follicular cysts, sebaceous cysts, dermoid cysts, and false cysts.

True cysts have a secretory lining (a membrane that lines its inner surface and produces secretions). True cysts often form in glands (such as sweat glands) as a result of blocked ducts. Complete removal or destruction of the lining may be necessary to prevent recurrence of a true cyst. True cysts, especially those that form in the sweat gland, are common in dogs and cats, particularly on the eyelids.

Follicular cysts are dilated hair follicles containing fluid or dark-colored cheesy material. They are prone to becoming infected (pyoderma). Follicular cysts are also known as epidermoid cysts. Dilated pores and comedones (blackheads) are related to follicular cysts but have wider than usual openings on the surface of the skin. Follicular cysts are common in dogs but unusual in cats, with the exception of ‘feline acne’ on the chin.

Sebaceous cysts fill with sebum and develop in and around sebaceous glands that are associated with hair follicles. These cysts are also prone to secondary bacterial infection. Sebaceous cysts are common in dogs but unusual in cats, with the exception of ‘stud tail’ on the upper side of the tail.

Dermoid cysts are complex congenital cysts that form long before birth. Dermoid cysts are rare.

False cysts are fluid-filled structures that do not contain a secretory lining. False cysts may be formed by hemorrhage or trauma that leads to tissue death; the fluid within them develops when the dead tissue liquefies. False cysts that develop due to trauma are fairly common in dogs.

What causes cysts to develop?

Comedones and follicular cysts are a consequence of local injury to the follicle(s), blockage of the opening of the pore or the follicle, mechanical or ’pressure point’ damage, sun damage (UV damage), or inactivity of the hair follicles in hairless breeds (e.g., Mexican Hairless Dog and Chinese Crested Dog).

Comedones on the sternum and other pressure points are not uncommon in dogs with thin coats and little body fat. Multiple and recurrent follicular cysts may develop on the heads of young dogs. Boxer Dogs, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, and Basset Hounds have a genetic predisposition for follicular cysts, but they can occur in other breeds as well. Comedomes can develop secondary to exposure to drugs such as glucocorticoids (steroids).

Dermoid cysts along the midline of the back develop during embryonic growth. They occur because the epidermis (outer layer of the skin) fails to close properly. These cysts are seen most frequently in Rhodesian Ridgebacks and Kerry Blue Terriers.

False cysts due to hemorrhage or trauma are common on the flank (the side of the body between the ribs and the hip). Sometimes false cysts occur as a result of reactions to injections.

What are the clinical signs of cysts?

Follicular cysts appear as single round nodules (hard tissue masses) on or underneath the skin. They may be bluish in color and contain thick, yellowish or grey cheesy material (keratin). This material may become secondarily infected with bacteria or yeast and produce a foul smell. They usually occur on the neck, head, or trunk but can appear anywhere.

“Cysts are hollow spaces within tissues that contain either liquid or solidified materials”

Sweat gland (or true) cysts often appear as nodules or vesicles. They are slightly translucent and blue or dark in color, and may cause the surrounding hair to fall out. They are filled with fluid produced by the sweat glands and may ooze a yellow substance. There may be many of them, particularly around the eyes and in the ears.

Sebaceous cysts appear as a single raised bump that may seem white or slightly blue in color. If it bursts, it will ooze a grayish white, brownish, or cottage-cheese-like discharge. These cysts usually develop on the head, neck, torso, or upper legs.

False cysts (those filled with blood) often look dark.

How are cysts diagnosed?

Your veterinarian may suspect that your pet’s condition is a cyst, but a definitive diagnosis relies on biopsy and microscopic examination of tissue. A biopsy is a surgical excision of a piece of, or the entire cyst. The biopsy is examined by a veterinary pathologist under the microscope. This is called histopathology. Histopathology is not only helpful to make a diagnosis but also allows the pathologist to assess whether the entire cyst was successfully removed. Histopathology may also help determine the cause of the cyst and rule out other diseases, including cancer.

What types of treatments are available for cysts?

The most common treatment for cysts is surgical removal. If available, laser treatment is useful for sweat gland cysts. Medical (topical) treatment of multiple small follicular cysts may be helpful. Other treatments may be needed to address the primary (or underlying) causes.

If the underlying cause is removed, some cysts will shrink or disappear. Cysts due to trauma may resolve in time.

Depending on the cause, excision often leads to a complete cure. If your pet develops recurrent or multiple cysts, a diagnostic investigation may be necessary to determine the underlying cause. In cases where the cysts are a characteristic of the breed (e.g., with hairless breeds), there will always be a tendency for further cysts to develop.

Is there any special care that I should provide to my pet?

It is important to prevent your pet from rubbing, scratching, licking, or biting the cyst(s), all of which can cause inflammation, infection, and bleeding. If the cyst ulcerates (opens), it will need to be kept clean and your pet may require a protective bandage over the area until it heals.

After surgery, the incision site needs to be kept clean and dry and your pet should not be allowed to interfere with the site. Report any significant swelling, bleeding, or loss of sutures to your veterinarian. If you require additional advice on post-surgical care, please contact your veterinarian.

Epidermoid Cysts of the Skin

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What are epidermoid cysts?

Epidermoid cysts are typically harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin. They often appear on areas with more hair such as the scalp, face, trunk, upper back, or groin area. These cysts can range in size from ½ inch to several inches across. Some may have an enlarged pore in the center of them. They are the most common type of skin (cutaneous) cyst.

Epidermoid cysts are sometimes called epidermal cysts. They are sometimes incorrectly called sebaceous cysts. But a sebaceous cyst is different from an epidermoid cyst. They are also less common. True sebaceous cysts start in the sebaceous gland. This is an oil gland in the skin that produces (secretes) an oily substance called sebum. Sebum lubricates the skin to help keep it healthy.   

Epidermoid cysts can remain stable. Or they may steadily grow. Sometimes they will become inflamed, red, painful, or suddenly break open (rupture). This poses a risk for infection. 

What causes epidermoid cysts? 

Your skin has several layers. The thin, protective outer layer of skin is called the epidermis. The cells that make up the outermost layer slowly shed and are replaced as newer cells move to the skin’s surface.

Most epidermoid cysts are caused when skin (epidermal) cells move under the skin surface, or are covered over by it instead of shedding. These cells continue to multiply, like skin does normally. They then form a wall around themselves (cyst) and secrete normal skin fluids (keratin). This is a thick, yellow substance that may drain from the cyst. This may be developmental. But it often happens because of an injury to the skin.

Epidermoid cysts are often found around hair follicles. These follicles are like cysts, but they have openings. Normal lubricating oils for your hair are sent out through these openings. A cyst occurs when an opening becomes blocked or the site becomes inflamed. This often occurs when there is damage to the hair follicles by a scrape or wound.

What are the symptoms of epidermoid cysts? 

Symptoms of an epidermoid cyst may include: 

• Feeling a lump just beneath the skin

• It may be painful

• The cyst may smell bad

• The cyst may become inflamed or red

• The cyst may leak fluid or thick material

The symptoms of epidermoid cysts may look like other skin conditions. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

How are epidermoid cysts diagnosed? 

A healthcare provider can often diagnose an epidermoid cyst by examining the cyst. A tissue sample can be taken and looked at under a microscope. 

How are epidermoid cysts treated?

Epidermoid cysts often go away without any treatment. If the cyst drains on its own, it may return. Most cysts don’t cause problems or need treatment. But if a cyst is a concern to you for any reason, see your healthcare provider. Epidermoid cysts can be treated by simple surgery (excision) with removal of the cyst and cyst wall. 

An epidermoid cyst that is inflamed can be injected with steroids. This can reduce inflammation and the cyst may not need to be drained.

An inflamed cysts may need to be cut and drained. To do this, your healthcare provider makes a hole in the top and removes what is inside. Large cysts can come back after this procedure and may have to be surgically removed (excised). If a cyst becomes swollen, tender, large, or infected, treatment may include antibiotics and then surgery.

What are possible complications of epidermoid cysts? 

Large cysts may become annoying or painful if they press on surrounding skin. They may also become unsightly.

Inflamed cysts may become infected. This infection can spread to surrounding tissues or in extreme cases into the bloodstream.

Even after surgery, if a cyst in removed incompletely, it may regrow.

Can epidermoid cysts be prevented? 

There is no known way to prevent epidermoid cysts. But you can prevent possible infection and scarring if you don’t squeeze, pop, stick a needle in it, or cut it open. This often leads to an infection and scarring. If it gets severely inflamed or infected, you should get medical care.

When should I call my healthcare provider? 

Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:

• Swelling, redness, or pain around the cyst

• Pus coming from the cyst

Key points about epidermoid cysts

• Epidermoid cysts are typically harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin.

• They often appear on areas with more hair, such as the scalp, face, trunk, upper back, or groin area.

• Epidermoid cysts often go away without any treatment. If the cyst drains on its own, it may return.

• Most cysts don’t cause problems or need treatment. They are often not painful, unless they become inflamed or infected.

• If a cyst is a concern to you for any reason, see your healthcare provider. It can be removed through simple surgery.

Next steps

Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:

• Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.

• Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

• Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.

• At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.

• Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.

• Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.

• Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.

• Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

• If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.

• Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions.

Online Medical Reviewer:
L Renee Watson MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer:
Marianne Fraser MSN RN

Online Medical Reviewer:
Michael Lehrer MD

Date Last Reviewed:
1/1/2023

© 2000-2023 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Atheroma – MOSITALMED

Atheroma is a benign neoplasm of the sebaceous gland in the form of a retention cyst. Outwardly, it can be defined as a dense, spherical and mobile formation on the skin. Inside the atheroma is a discharge from the ducts of the sebaceous glands, fat and epithelial cells. They most commonly occur on the scalp, face, neck, and trunk.

The main treatment for atheroma is surgery. The MOSITALMED clinic employs professional surgeons with extensive experience in removing neoplasms. All surgical interventions are carried out in accordance with international standards, as well as using modern high-tech equipment.

Causes of atheroma

Atheroma refers to multifactorial diseases, that is, its development is influenced by a combination of many factors:

• hereditary predisposition;
• features of the anatomical structure of the sebaceous glands;
• increased viscosity and sebum production;
• hormone imbalance;
• non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene;
• occupational hazards;
• exposure to ultraviolet and radioactive radiation;
• oily seborrhea;
• hyperhidrosis;
• acne

Symptoms of atheroma

Atheromas externally look like dense, spherical formations under the skin, with even, clear contours. On palpation, the retention cysts are painless and mobile. Atheromas can be located on any part of the body, with the exception of the palms and feet. The average size of the neoplasm is a couple of centimeters, but in some cases they can reach large volumes.

When atheroma becomes inflamed, the temperature rises, the skin turns red and swells, and pus is released. After opening, an ulcer is formed, which is overgrown with connective tissue.

Diagnosis of atheroma

For the diagnosis of benign neoplasms of the sebaceous glands, a physical and histological examination is sufficient. On palpation, specific signs of atheroma are determined, such as clear boundaries, smooth contours, painlessness and mobility. Histological examination is necessary for the differential diagnosis of the disease with malignant neoplasms.

Treatment

The only treatment for atheroma is surgical removal. For this purpose, surgical and laser methods are used. The operation to remove the cyst of the sebaceous gland is performed under local anesthesia. At the same time, an incision is formed at the top of the swelling, the length of which depends on the size of the cyst.

Atheroma laser therapy is carried out using three main techniques, among them photocoagulation, laser tissue excision and laser capsule evaporation. At the MOSITALMED clinic, during a consultation, the doctor selects an individual method for the treatment of sebaceous gland neoplasms for each patient. To remove atheroma, the clinic has state-of-the-art laser equipment of the highest class, after which there are practically no traces left after treatment. The operation is planned, lasts no more than 30 minutes and usually does not require special preparation.

To prevent the formation of new atheromas, it is recommended to follow the rules of personal hygiene, undergo a course of acne treatment and stop eating fast-digesting carbohydrates.

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Treatment of skin atheroma – the price of atheroma removal in Uzhgorod

Atheroma is a type of epidermal cyst, which is formed in the sebaceous gland. It is a rounded elastic capsule of connective tissue, inside of which there is a secret, the consistency of which resembles a curd gruel. Grows atheroma slowly, but at the same time, disrupts the secretion of the sebaceous glands and can cause discomfort. The tumor can reach a size of up to 10 cm in diameter. It is also sometimes referred to as trichodermal cyst .

In the Bilyak Clinic, any skin neoplasms are removed. Our doctors use modern methods that do not injure the skin and leave no marks. Therefore, if you want to receive atheroma treatment in Ukraine according to European standards, please contact us.

Why atheroma is formed

The main reason is blockage of the sebaceous gland. Because of it, the secret cannot come out and begins to accumulate, forming a dense capsule around itself. In most cases, these tumors are acquired. But sometimes there are true atheromas. They are present in humans from birth and are caused by impaired embryonic development.

When an atheroma develops in a person , the causes may be as follows:

• Defects in the structure of the sebaceous glands are a congenital feature of a person. The glands are too narrow or improperly arranged, so fat accumulates inside.
• Hormonal disorders – lead to impaired secretion. Sebum is secreted too actively, or becomes viscous, so it is difficult for it to come out.
• Unfavorable environmental factors – burns, frostbite, ultraviolet radiation provoke the growth of cysts.
• Mechanical injury – duct obstructed due to improper scarring.
• Systemic pathologies – diabetes, hypertension, metabolic disorders can provoke the formation of atheroma.
• Heredity – quite often, excessive sebum production is a genetic problem.

Why is atheroma dangerous?

Main risks:

• ingestion of infection – this usually occurs when the skin is injured at the site of the tumor, as a result, inflammation develops;
• atheroma torsion – also provokes an inflammatory process and necrosis;
• purulent atheroma – develops with prolonged inflammation, which was not eliminated in time;
• self-opening of the tumor – in this case, a laceration is formed, from which an unaesthetic scar remains;
• phlegmon, abscess or sepsis – develop with advanced inflammation, or when a person tries to squeeze out pus on his own, and it does not get inside, but outside.

It is very important to recognize the problem in time. Inflamed atheroma turns red and swells, pus begins to accumulate inside it. At the same time, a person feels itching and pain at the site of the tumor, general weakness and malaise, and his temperature rises.

Understanding what atheroma is, it is better to get rid of it as soon as possible. In advanced cases, it can cause critical conditions that threaten life. Of particular danger is atheroma on the face or other parts of the head.

Symptoms

A soft round swelling with clear boundaries appears on the skin. The skin underneath is slightly raised, and a blocked excretory duct may be visible on the surface. On palpation, the tumor is quite mobile and easily shifts to the side, and the skin under it cannot be taken into a fold. Sizes can range from a pea to a chicken egg.

At first, the neoplasm does not cause discomfort, but as it grows, it begins to interfere. Itching and pain are manifested if the atheroma of the skin festered.

Most often, cysts of this type affect places where there is a hairline – in the armpits, on the scalp. But their localization is not limited to this. They form wherever sebaceous glands are present. A person can grow atheroma on the head , neck, leg, back, in the groin, behind the ear.

Diagnosis

Neoplasms of this type can be difficult to distinguish from hygroma, lipoma or fibroma. Therefore, the diagnosis must be differential. A qualified doctor knows what atheroma looks like , therefore, in order to make a diagnosis, visual examination and palpation are sufficient. This allows you to assess the condition of the skin, the size and boundaries of the tumor.

If a subcutaneous abscess or malignancy is suspected, an ultrasound is done. Also, after removal of the tumor, a histological examination is performed, examining the contents under a microscope.

A frequent question of patients at a doctor’s appointment is atheroma a cancer? No, this tumor is absolutely benign and is reborn in very rare cases. But its danger lies elsewhere – it can fester and also cause a lot of harm to the body. Therefore, it is better to remove it.

Treatment

When a patient has atheroma, treatment is performed by the surgical method. The operating technique is selected taking into account the size of the tumor, the neglect of the process, the degree of involvement of neighboring tissues.

There are various techniques for performing the operation:

1. Surgical excision – the skin is carefully cut from above, and then the tumor is excised along with the capsule, slightly pressing the edges of the incision with your fingers. If it is necessary to carry out treatment of atheroma , which festered, then after opening the capsule, its cavity is washed with an antiseptic. Then the patient is stitched and a sterile bandage is applied. You may need to take anti-inflammatory drugs in the first days after surgery. This method is the most traumatic and leaves a scar behind.
2. Treatment of atheroma with laser is a more gentle method, which is used in the early stages. The procedure takes place under local anesthesia and takes only 15 minutes. The laser beam first opens the cavity of the cyst, and then gently evaporates its contents. The skin heals quickly after that, no traces remain.
3. Radio wave method – the neoplasm is excised with a radio knife. This allows you to remove the tumor without blood loss and further scarring.

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe conservative treatment. Its purpose is to stop inflammation and prevent suppuration. To do this, use anti-inflammatory ointments and other drugs. This approach is used if the tumor is located in tender places where it would be risky to remove it.