What is atheroma
Atheroma is a cavity in the skin lined with cells similar to epidermal cells. They continue to produce horny substance and sebum, which cannot come out and accumulate in the capsule. Therefore, the cyst gradually increases from a few millimeters to several centimeters. To the touch, the atheroma is smooth, elastic, and moves with the skin. Epidermal cysts are more often found on the face, neck and torso, trichilemmal cysts - on the scalp, sometimes in several pieces.
- Epidermal (epidermoid) cyst
- Trichilemmal cyst of the scalp
- Steatocystoma - multiple cysts of the sebaceous glands
- Milia are small, superficial white cysts.
Causes and difference from lipoma
Atheroma occurs when the mouth of the hair follicle or sebaceous gland duct is blocked, as well as when epidermal cells enter deep into the skin after injury. Predispose to oily skin, acne, hormonal changes and heredity. Atheroma is often confused with lipoma, but these are different formations. The lipoma consists of adipose tissue, soft, lobular, lies under the skin and is not fused to it. Atheroma is a cyst in the skin itself, often with a duct point, and it can become inflamed.
- Blockage of the sebaceous gland duct
- Skin trauma and penetration of the epidermis deep into
- Oily skin and acne
- Hormonal changes
- Hereditary predisposition
Symptoms and complications
Non-inflamed atheroma does not hurt and causes mainly cosmetic inconvenience or interferes with combing, shaving, and wearing clothes. When pressed, thick, whitish contents with an unpleasant odor may be released from the duct. If bacteria enter the cyst or it is injured, inflammation occurs: the skin turns red, the formation enlarges, becomes painful, and an abscess may form. After spontaneous opening, the cyst almost always forms again, since the capsule remains.
- Round formation in the skin
- Dark dot in the center
- Discharge of a cheesy mass with an odor
- Redness and pain due to inflammation
- Suppuration and abscess
- Scar after opening
Diagnostics
The doctor most often makes a diagnosis by examination and palpation. Ultrasound of soft tissues helps to clarify the size, depth and distinguish a cyst from a lipoma, enlarged lymph node, hygroma and other formations. After removal, the tissue is sent for histological examination - this is the standard for definitive confirmation of its benign nature. Rapidly growing, dense or ulcerated formations require special attention and sometimes consultation with an oncologist.
- Examination by a dermatologist or surgeon
- Ultrasound of soft tissues
- Histological examination after removal
- Consultation with an oncologist for an atypical picture
Treatment
There are no conservative methods that dissolve atheroma: ointments, compresses and folk remedies do not help, and squeezing provokes inflammation. The only reliable way is surgical removal of the cyst along with the capsule under local anesthesia. It is better to remove the atheroma in a calm state, while it is small: the incision and scar will be smaller. When suppuration occurs, the abscess is first opened and drained, and after the inflammation subsides, a planned excision is performed. Sometimes laser and radio wave techniques are used.
- Do not squeeze or puncture the cyst
- Remove as planned while it is small
- In case of inflammation, consult a surgeon
- Send the removed tissue for histology
- Care for the suture as recommended by your doctor