Diseases & Conditions

Epidermoid (sebaceous) cysts

Epidermoid cysts are small bumps that develop just beneath the skin on your face, neck, trunk and sometimes your genital area. They are slow-growing and often painless. Although many people refer to epidermoid cysts as sebaceous cysts, true sebaceous cysts are much less common than epidermoid cysts are.

Most epidermoid cysts don't cause problems or need treatment. But if they're a cosmetic concern or they rupture or become infected, they're usually surgically removed.

Epidermoid cysts are almost always noncancerous, but in rare cases, they can give rise to skin cancers. Because this occurs so seldom, epidermoid cysts usually aren't biopsied unless they have unusual characteristics that suggest a more serious problem.

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose an epidermoid cyst based on its appearance alone, though you may be referred to a dermatologist for treatment.