Many people, for one reason or another, can form cysts on various organs or parts of the body. Their sizes and contents are different, and it depends on many factors. The most common subcutaneous neoplasm is an epidermal cyst (atheroma), consisting of a hair follicle, epidermis, epithelium and sebum.
It usually occurs at a young and middle age. Such an education is single and multiple. Let's try to figure out how atheroma is formed , what is it? Photos of epidermal cysts can be seen in medical guides.
What is atheroma
This neoplasm is oval or round, with clear contours, protruding above the skin level, and at the site of the cyst, the skin usually does not change or is reddish. The atheroma is dense and elastic to the touch, slightly mobile and can move to the side.
Most often, an epidermal cyst is formed on the face, scrotum, chest, scalp and neck. It can be benign and malignant.
Reasons for education
If an epidermal cyst occurs, the reasons for this may be different. Basically, it is formed due to blockage of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands, therefore it is often found in people with acne or seborrhea.
Other causes of neoplasm are:
- metabolic disease;
- hormonal failure in the body;
- abuse of poor quality cosmetics;
- thickening of the epidermis;
- adverse environmental effects.
Types of neoplasms
The epidermal cyst is true and false.
True atheroma is a cyst formed from the appendages of the epidermis and having an invisible origin. Usually it occurs in the fair sex on the scalp. The neoplasm is characterized by slow growth.
A false cyst is formed due to a large accumulation of sebum, which subsequently becomes a cork. It occurs in both men and women. It is localized not only on the head, but also on the back, chest, face. In rare cases, a cyst occurs on the genitals and grows very quickly.
Possible complications
The most common complication is infection of the cyst. At the same time, the inflammatory process develops, the neoplasm becomes denser, with its palpation severe pain occurs. In this place there is swelling of the skin and its redness. The inflammatory process often provokes an increase in body temperature.
If the epidermal cyst opens itself outward, then the wound must be disinfected, which helps to avoid complications. With a breakthrough of purulent contents towards the dermis, a phlegmon or abscess may occur. This complication is treated surgically at the same time as taking antibiotics. Therefore, when septic inflammation occurs, the patient is opened with a purulent capsule and its subsequent drainage.
Such a cyst can grow very much. It is very dangerous if the neoplasm occurs on the head, as it will put pressure on the brain, leading to visual disturbances, irritability, regular headaches.
Treatment
If the cyst is small and does not cause discomfort, then treatment is not required. It is only necessary to observe its development. By itself, it does not pass, therefore, if an epidermal cyst has arisen , treatment can be carried out by such radical methods as surgical, laser and radio wave removal.
In no case should you independently pierce the capsule of the cyst and squeeze out its contents, since in this case, an infection can be introduced into the body. In addition, after extrusion, neoplasm cells remain in the capsule, which continue to produce secretion. After a short period of time, it will again be filled with sebum.
Surgical removal of an epidermal cyst
Doctors are strongly advised to get rid of this neoplasm, while it is small in size. In this case, skin defects such as scars and scars will not occur.
A cyst is removed under local anesthesia. The patient returns home within an hour after the operation. Hospitalization is required only if a large, inflamed purulent cyst is removed.
During the operation, they get rid of the cyst both with a violation of the integrity of its capsule, and without it. When opening the capsule, its contents can be squeezed out or removed with a special spoon. The remaining shell is removed using forceps. If the incision is larger than 2.5 cm, then stitches are applied.
To remove a purulent atheroma, the doctor cuts the skin over the cyst, after which special curved scissors are placed under it. With their help, the neoplasm is separated from the surrounding tissues. After that, the cyst is captured with forceps and carefully removed with scissors. At the end of the operation, self-absorbable sutures are applied to the subcutaneous tissue .
Laser cyst removal
This method of treatment is considered very effective. The epidermal cyst is removed using the following methods:
- Photocoagulation is the removal of a subcutaneous neoplasm, the size of which does not exceed 0.5 cm, using a laser beam by evaporation. In this case, there is no need to stitch.
- Laser excision - carried out with a cyst size of 0.5-2 cm. An incision is made with a scalpel over it and the skin is spread apart so that the contact line of the atheroma with the tissues that surround it is clearly visible. Then these tissues are vaporized using a laser, releasing a cyst. Then it is removed with forceps, drainage is introduced and sutures are applied.
- Laser evaporation of the capsule - it is carried out when the cyst becomes larger than 2 cm. The capsule is cut and its contents are removed. Using surgical hooks, the wound is expanded and the capsule shell is vaporized with a laser. After that, drainage is introduced and sutures are applied.
Radio wave treatment of atheroma
This method is used only if the epidermal cyst is small in size without purulent contents. Using a special device, atheroma is exposed to radio waves, contributing to the necrosis of its cells. After that, a crust appears at the site of the cyst, under which the regeneration process begins.
Output
We figured out such a thing as atheroma (what is it). A photo of this neoplasm is often found in medical guides and it looks extremely unaesthetic. It does not pass on its own, so it is only possible to remove it and be sure to in a medical institution.