Epidermoid cysts or epidermal inclusion cysts are also known as sebaceous cysts, which is a misnomer. These asymptomatic, semi-solid cysts are filled with keratin. The cysts are lined by keratinizing epithelium that is responsible for the soft, "cheesy" keratin contents.
These cysts are common on the scrotum but are rarely found on the penis. The cysts can be located almost anywhere, and besides the scrotum, common places include the face, neck, scalp, or trunk.
The pathogenesis of genital epidermoid cysts is unknown. It is hypothesized that some epidermoid cysts may originate from median raphe cysts.
Epidermoid cyst - Anogenital in
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Synopsis
Codes
ICD10CM:
L72.0 – Epidermal cyst
SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst
L72.0 – Epidermal cyst
SNOMEDCT:
419893006 – Epidermoid cyst
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Diagnostic Pearls
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Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
The presence of multiple epidermoid cysts, and a family history of the same, should lead to the consideration of Gardner syndrome, a heritable disorder associated with gastrointestinal malignancy.
- Median raphe cyst (calcified epidermoid cyst)
- Calcinosis of the scrotum
- Glomangioma
- Neurilemmoma
- Lipoma
- Pilar cyst (trichilemmal cyst) usually has a more firm consistency on palpation.
- Hidradenitis suppurativa
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Therapy
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References
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Last Reviewed:05/08/2017
Last Updated:06/12/2017
Last Updated:06/12/2017
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Epidermoid cyst - Anogenital in
See also in: Overview,Hair and Scalp