dermatologic disorders
Cutaneous Cysts
Introduction
Epidermal inclusion cysts are the most common cutaneous cysts. Milia are small epidermal inclusion cysts. Pilar cysts are usually on the scalp and may be familial. Benign cutaneous cystsare classified according to histologic features of the cyst wall or lining and anatomic location. On palpation, a cyst is firm, globular, movable, and nontender; cysts usually vary in size up to 5 cm in diameter. There are several types of benign cutaneous cysts: Epidermal inclusion cysts Milia Pilar cysts (trichilemmal cysts) Epidermal inclusion cysts(epidermoid cysts) seldom cause discomfort unless they have ruptured internally, causing a rapidly enlarging, painful foreign body reaction and abscess. Epidermal inclusion cysts are often surmounted by a visible punctum or pore; their contents are white, cheesy, and malodorous. Miliaare minute superficial epidermal inclusion cysts that are most often on the face and scalp. may appear identical to epidermal inclusion cysts, but 90% are on the scalp. There is often a family history of pilar cysts; inheritance is autosomal dominant ( General reference ). 