Y5 - Epidermoid and pilar cysts (sebaceous cysts)

Question 1

what are the two forms of sebaceous cysts

Answer 1

epidermal cysts

pilar (trichelemmal cysts)

Question 2

what is a cyst

Answer 2

a closed fluid filled sac

Question 3

what do epidermal and pilar cysts contain

Answer 3

keratin

Question 4

do epidermal or pilar cysts originate from the sebaceous glands

Answer 4

neither originate from the sebaceous gland

Question 5

where do epidermal cysts originate from

Answer 5

epidermis

Question 6

where do pilar cysts originate from

Answer 6

hair follicles

Question 7

what are ‘true’ sebaceous cysts contain and what do they develop from

Answer 7

contain sebum

originate from sebaceous cysts

Question 8

where are common sites for sebaceous cysts

Answer 8

in hairier areas such as scalp, ears, face, back

Question 9

where will sebaceous cysts not form

Answer 9

hands and soles of feet (no hair)

Question 10

history of sebaceous cyst

Answer 10

smooth to touch, mobile, variable size, round shape

Question 11

what do sebaceous cysts contain

Answer 11

kertatin (cottage cheese with a cheesy odour)

Question 12

what sort of epithelium is associated with a epidermal cyst

Answer 12

squamous epithelium

Question 13

definition of a epidermal cyst

Answer 13

a benign cyst on the skin

Question 14

where do epidermal cysts normally develop from

Answer 14

ectodermal tissue (epidermis)

Question 15

history of epidermal cyst

Answer 15

usually present on area with little hair

may be asymptomatic or may be tender when touched and release pus

Question 16

aetiology of epidermoid cysts

Answer 16

implantation of epidermis into the dermis due to trauma or surgery

Question 17

risk factors for epidermoid cysts

Answer 17

gardners syndrome
trigeminal neuralgia
body piercings

Question 18

investigations of epidermal cysts

Answer 18

definitive diagnosis by pathologist:

-cystic lesion with cornified epithelium containing keratin without calcifications

Question 19

where do the majority of pilar cysts occur

Answer 19

scalp (areas of hair follicles)

Question 20

who are pilar cysts common in

Answer 20

women

Question 21

aetiology of pilar cysts

Answer 21

derived from outer root sheath of hair follicle

Question 22

history

Answer 22

common to see many cysts in areas of hair which are smooth mobile and filled with keratin

Question 23

pathophysiology of epidermoid cyst

Answer 23

from the proliferation of epidermal cysts

Question 24

management of epidermoid cyst

Answer 24

do not need to be treated if asymptomatic

Question 25

what may clean up the inflammation in epidermoic cysts

Answer 25

an intralesional injection of triamcinolone

Question 26

surgical management for epidermoid cysts

Answer 26

removal via simple excision or incision with removal of the cyst and cyst wall
triamcinolone may lead to faster resolution of symptoms

Question 27

complications of epidermoid cyst

Answer 27

if entire cyst is not removed, lesion may recur

infection

Question 28

management of pilar cyst

Answer 28

definitive treatment is the complete excision of the cyst

• linear excision
• elliptical excision
• punch incision

Question 29

prognosis of pilar cyst

Answer 29

good, majority are cured with complete surgical removal