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Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Sebaceous Cyst and Epidermoid Cyst?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Sebaceous Cyst and Epidermoid Cyst?

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Epidermoid cysts and sebaceous cysts, often referred to as sebaceous cysts, are non-cancerous growths that can appear on the skin. Although they share some similarities, there are key differences between the two:

  1. Content: Epidermoid cysts are filled with dead skin cells, while true sebaceous cysts are filled with a yellowish oily material.
  2. Formation: Epidermoid cysts are formed when elements of the surface skin get under the skin surface, and the cyst becomes filled with dead skin because the skin can't shed as it normally would. Sebaceous cysts, on the other hand, arise from the glands that secrete oily matter that lubricates hair and skin (sebaceous glands).
  3. Symptoms: Both types of cysts are usually small, round, and non-painful lumps beneath the skin, often found on the face, neck, and trunk. However, epidermoid cysts may have a tiny hole or pit in the center.
  4. Treatment: Neither type of cyst requires treatment unless they cause symptoms, become inflamed, swollen, tender, or large, or are infected. In such cases, treatment options may include draining the cyst, surgery to remove it, or prescribing antibiotics for infections.

In summary, although many people refer to epidermoid cysts as sebaceous cysts, they are different in terms of their contents, formation, and symptoms.

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  • What is the Difference Between Sebaceous Cyst and Epidermoid Cyst?
  • Comparative Table: Sebaceous Cyst vs Epidermoid Cyst

    • Comparative Table: Sebaceous Cyst vs Epidermoid Cyst

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between sebaceous cysts and epidermoid cysts:

    Feature Sebaceous Cyst Epidermoid Cyst
    Definition A non-cancerous cyst filled with yellowish oily material, caused by a damaged or blocked gland or its duct due to trauma, surgical wound, or acne. A non-cancerous cyst filled with dead skin cells, formed when the thin top layer of skin grows inside out into the lower layers, causing a cyst to form.
    Contents Filled with a yellowish oily material, representing degraded sebum. Filled with dead skin cells, keratin, and its breakdown products, surrounded by an epidermoid wall.
    Origin Develops if the gland or its duct becomes damaged or blocked due to trauma to the skin, surgical wound, or acne. Epidermoid cysts are formed when the thin, flat cells found on the skin's surface grow inwards, producing keratin and forming a cyst.
    Diagnosis Can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin sample biopsy. Can be diagnosed through physical examination and skin sample biopsy.
    Treatment Treatment options for epidermoid cyst may include injection (reduces swelling and inflammation), incision, drainage, and minor surgery. Treatment options for sebaceous cyst may include incision and drainage, injection with anti-inflammatory medication, or surgical removal.

    Both sebaceous and epidermoid cysts are non-cancerous and can be painful if infected.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.