Cysts

Conveniently located to serve Newport Beach and Orange County

The Ocean Clinic provides treatment for cysts at our Newport Beach office in Orange County. Cysts are benign sacs filled with a liquid or semi-liquid substance, most often containing keratin (the protein that hair and nails are made of). They can develop in a variety of locations across the body and scalp and originate from different types of skin tissue.

Epidermoid and pilar cysts are two of the most common types of cysts found beneath the surface of the skin. An epidermoid cyst is a cyst in which the sac is formed by cells that originated from the epidermis (top layer of the skin) and can be found almost anywhere on the body. A pilar cyst, on the other hand, is a cyst in which the sac is formed from the outer hair root sheath and most commonly develops on the scalp.

Epidermoid and pilar cysts look like small smooth lumps under the skin surface. They are benign (non-cancerous) and usually cause no harm or problems. Occasionally, they may become infected (when they may become red, inflamed, and painful), leak their contents if punctured or damaged, or become uncomfortable or cosmetically undesirable. If required, they can usually be removed easily by a small operation done under local anesthetic.

What Are the Symptoms of Cysts?

The appearance of epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts is similar. They are typically spherical in shape and appear just beneath the skin’s surface. They can be yellow or white in color and can be as small as a pea or up to 3cm in size. Epidermoid cysts often have a central punctum, which is a tiny opening that looks like a blackhead. Often times a whitish-yellow debris can be expressed from the central punctum.

Cysts typically grow slowly and are asymptomatic; however, they can become infected and quickly develop swelling, tenderness, and redness. When this occurs, a procedure called an Incision and Drainage may be required in order to expel the contents within the cyst.

Who Is at Risk for Developing Cysts?

Anyone can develop epidermoid cysts, but young and middle-aged adults are the most commonly affected. They can develop on any part of the body, although they’re most prevalent on the chest, face, neck, and upper back.

Pilar cysts can also occur in anyone, although they occur more frequently in females in their forties and fifties. They can appear anywhere on the skin, though the scalp is the most common site of development. It is also common for several to appear on the scalp at the same time.

What Is Cyst Removal Like?

Cysts can often be easily removed with a simple procedure called a surgical excision. A local anesthetic is injected into the surrounding skin to numb it. Over the cyst, a tiny incision is made, and the cyst is removed. After that, the incision is sutured closed. There will be a post-surgical mark as a result.

Aftercare Following Cyst Removal

Following a cyst excision, you will be able to drive yourself home without any issues. Wound care instructions will be given, explaining how to care for the surgical site and any limitation of activities.

Contact Us to Learn More

The lump on your skin could be a harmless cyst or something more serious. To address uncomfortable or infectious cysts, Newport Beach and Orange County patients can contact The Ocean Clinic to book a consultation. Our medical experts can provide you with a precise diagnosis and effective treatment options.