Overview of epidermoid cyst

Highlights

• •

  The term “sebaceous cyst” has fallen into disuse, the current term is an epidermoid cyst.

• •

  Other common synonyms include infundibular cyst, epidermal cyst, epidermal inclusion cyst, and epidermoid inclusion cyst.

• •

  These cysts are slow-growing masses that elevate the skin and often have a central punctum.

• •

  On radiology, they have round to oval structure, well-circumscribed, avascular mass; restricted diffusion is typical.

• •

  Removal may be accomplished by simple excision or incision.

Abstract

Epidermoid cysts are slow-growing, painless masses that elevate the skin and often have a central punctum that represents the plugged orifice of the pilosebaceous follicle. On ultrasound, they have a round to oval structure, well-circumscribed, avascular mass located in subcutaneous tissue along with phenomena of dorsal acoustic amplification and lateral shadowing. On MRI, they have slightly hypointense signal intensity on T1-weighted and intermediate to high signal on T2-weighted. Restricted diffusion is typical of epidermoid cysts. These signs are useful in the differentiation of epidermal cysts from neoplastic lesions. They need early treatment as they can cause cosmetic and functional impairment.