Cysts are closed, thin-walled sacs filled with fluid or semi-fluid material. They are located anywhere on the skin. There are three main types of benign cysts:

Epidermal cysts

-Commonly on the face, neck, back, or anywhere on the body. They are freely movable and contain a cheese-like substance.

Trichilemmal cysts 

Occur often on the scalp. They are similar but more firm than epidermal cysts.

Milia

-Small, firm, whitish lesions on the face and around the eyes. Milia in infants don’t typically require treatment. However, adults may want milia removed for cosmetic reasons.

Lipomas are common fatty lumps underneath the skin and over the underlying muscle. They appear anywhere on the body and and soft and doughy to the touch. Although, lipomas occur most often in people ages of 40-60, they can be seen in any age group.

Generally cysts and lipomas they cause no symptoms. However, if they grow large or become infected, they may cause pain by pressing on surrounding nerves or blood vessels.

Cysts and lipomas have many different causes, including:

• Clogged hair follicles
• Penetrating injuries
• Skin conditions, such as acne and folliculitis
• Genetic factors

After we determine your type of lump, we will discuss treatment options.

First, we begin with a physical exam to determine the cause of your lump. The doctor presses on the lump to feel its texture and measures the size. In addition, she checks whether it can be moved underneath your skin.
If necessary, we remove a small sample of the lump for testing. As a precaution, after she inspects your skin, our expert dermatologist may take a tissue sample for potential signs of skin cancer.

Many small cysts and lipomas do not require treatment. However, you can consider removal if they are large, infected, painful, or for cosmetic reasons. This is typically performed surgically using a small scalpel. Don’t worry, the area will be numbed so you won’t feel a thing. The procedure takes place in our office, and may last about 30 minutes.

Suspicious lumps in your skin may signal cysts and lipomas or more serious concerns — like skin cancer. Call or click to schedule an appointment online today for evaluation and treatment.

If you need lipoma or cyst removal in Columbia MD, contact Eternal Dermatology now.

Click here for a list of more medical conditions and cosmetic procedures performed at Eternal Dermatology.