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Sebaceous hyperplasia
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Sebaceous hyperplasia

Contributors: David O'Connell MD, Sarah Hocker DO, Susan Burgin MD
Other Resources UpToDate PubMed

Synopsis

Sebaceous hyperplasia is not a true neoplasm but rather the result of localized hypertrophy of the sebaceous glands. Sebaceous hyperplasia usually occurs on the central face, most prominently the forehead. It presents as solitary or, more often, multiple skin-colored to yellow papules of 2-5 mm (or more) that usually exhibit a central dell corresponding to the patulous follicular infundibulum. A peripheral "crown" of telangiectatic vessels is often observed with dermoscopy.

Classically, sebaceous hyperplasia affects middle-aged to older adults, where it is seen in more than 25% of individuals. It also has been noted to rarely occur in the peripubertal and young adult age group, often in a familial pattern.

Sebaceous hyperplasia may also be present on the nipples, where it is referred to as Montgomery's tubercles, and on anogenital regions of the foreskin, penile shaft, scrotum, and vulva, where the differential diagnosis would include molluscum contagiosum and human papillomavirus (HPV).

Juxtaclavicular beaded lines (JCBL) is a unique presentation of sebaceous hyperplasia presenting as small (0.5-1.5 mm), slightly yellow papules in a linear pattern occurring in lines of cleavage localized to the low neck and juxtaclavicular areas. Unlike classic sebaceous hyperplasia, this condition presents earlier in life, starting during or just after puberty.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is seen in up to 30% of renal transplant patients receiving cyclosporin as immunosuppression and is also reported to affect heart and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. Recently, the related immunosuppressant tacrolimus has been associated with the development of sebaceous hyperplasia as well.

Sebaceous hyperplasia is benign, and treatment is for cosmetic purposes, although, in rare cases, eruptions can be severe and disfiguring.

Related topic: Sebaceous hyperplasia in newborn

Codes

ICD10CM:
L73.8 – Other specified follicular disorders

SNOMEDCT:
238748009 – Sebaceous hyperplasia

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Last Reviewed:12/15/2019
Last Updated:01/23/2020
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Sebaceous hyperplasia
A medical illustration showing key findings of Sebaceous hyperplasia : Cheek, Forehead, Nose, Temple
Clinical image of Sebaceous hyperplasia - imageId=325411. Click to open in gallery.  caption: 'A close-up of yellowish and pink umbilicated papules on the forehead.'
A close-up of yellowish and pink umbilicated papules on the forehead.
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