A 48-year-old member asked:
What should i do about a sebaceous cyst that's been there years?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Daniel Wujekanswered
Family Medicine 22 years experience
Observe vs Remove: Sebaceous cysts are benign and generally don't need to be removed unless they are bothersome or causing symptoms. There is a risk they can become infected. If this occurs, it would need drainage.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. Barry Pressanswered
Plastic Surgery 46 years experience
Remove or nothing: If it is small and not bothering you, leave it alone. These tend to enlarge because they are caused by skin surface cells trapped beneath the skin. These cells continually shed, increasing the size of the cyst (more accurately an epithelial inclusion cyst.) removal is generally a minor surgical procedure, but requires total removal of the cyst wall to prevent recurrence of the cyst.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 24-year-old member asked:
What can I do for a sebaceous cyst?
1 doctor answer • 4 doctors weighed in
A Verified Doctoranswered
Family Medicine 24 years experience
See your doctor: It should be opened and drained, especially if it shows any signs of infection (tenderness, draining, heat). If it's not draining or painful and you don't mind the look of it it can be watched (if indeed this is a correct diagnosis).
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 3, 2016
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