Epidermoid cyst in Child
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and ScalpAlerts and Notices
Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:L72.0 – Epidermal cyst
SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst
Look For
Subscription Required
Diagnostic Pearls
Subscription Required
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
Epidermoid cysts are rare before puberty, and alternative diagnoses should be strongly considered in infancy and childhood.Cyst rupture with associated inflammation is often misdiagnosed as an "infection" of the cyst. Cultures are usually negative, and treatment with antibiotics is not required.
Superficial lymph nodes are palpated within the subcutaneous fat and are found within the course of lymphatics.
- Lipomas are soft, mobile subcutaneous nodules with normal overlying epidermis.
- Pilar cysts (trichilemmal cysts) may be clinically indistinguishable from epidermoid cysts but are more common in childhood and are typically found on the scalp.
- Pilomatricoma usually presents as a solitary skin-colored to faint blue nodule, frequently found on the head or upper trunk in children. Firmness is a reflection of calcification within this benign tumor.
- Steatocystomas occur as asymptomatic single or multiple cysts on the chest, axillae, and/or groin that may drain an oily substance if punctured. Multiple steatocystomas are seen in some patients with pachyonychia congenita.
- Dermoid cysts result from anomalies in embryonic closure zones. Surgical removal or biopsy of a cyst over the midline should not be attempted without proper imaging to rule out intraspinal or intracranial connection.
- Thyroglossal duct cysts present as midline cystic nodules on the neck in children.
- Branchial cleft cysts present in the second or third decade as a nodule in the preauricular area, mandibular region, or along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
- Bronchogenic cysts are most frequently found in the suprasternal notch, and they represent sequestered respiratory epithelium during embryological development.
Best Tests
Subscription Required
Management Pearls
Subscription Required
Therapy
Subscription Required
References
Subscription Required
Last Reviewed:05/08/2017
Last Updated:07/19/2020
Last Updated:07/19/2020
Patient Information for Epidermoid cyst in Child
Overview
Epidermoid cysts, sometimes known as sebaceous cysts (a misnomer), contain a soft "cheesy" material composed of keratin, a protein component of skin, hair, and nails.- Epidermoid cysts form when the top layer of skin (epidermis) grows into the middle layer of the skin (dermis). This may occur due to injury or blocked hair follicles.
- The lesion may be asymptomatic, but rupture of the epidermoid cyst can result in significant discomfort.
Who’s At Risk
Epidermoid cysts are a common lesion that affect people of all ages.Signs & Symptoms
Epidermoid cysts can be located almost anywhere but are most common on the face, neck, scalp, or trunk.- A cyst appears as a dome-shaped, skin-colored growth that usually moves when touched and pressed upon. It may have a small opening in the center.
- The cyst can be well-defined or irregular due to prior rupture, scarring, and regrowth.
- If manipulated or infected, the cyst can become red and may be tender.
Self-Care Guidelines
None necessary. It is advised not to try to express the material within cysts as further inflammation and even infection may result.When to Seek Medical Care
See your primary care physician or a dermatologist if a cyst becomes inflamed or painful.Treatments
- Inflamed, non-infected cysts may be injected with steroids to reduce inflammation.
- Incision and drainage can provide immediate reduction in the cyst. However, this is a temporary measure. After this treatment, a cyst will refill with the cheesy contents because the lining of the cyst has not been removed.
- Cysts may be removed (excised) surgically.
References
Bolognia, Jean L., ed. Dermatology, pp.1721-1723. New York: Mosby, 2003.
Freedberg, Irwin M., ed. Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. 6th ed, pp.778-781. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2003.
Epidermoid cyst in Child
See also in: Anogenital,Hair and Scalp