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KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
- Epidermal inclusion cyst, epidermal cyst, infundibular cyst, sebaceous cyst
Definitions
- Slow-growing subdermal cyst that contains keratin and is lined by stratified squamous epithelium
- Most cysts are due to ductal blockage of hair follicles with downward rupture of obstructed pilosebaceous unit
- Some cysts are due to traumatic or embryological subdermal sequestration of epithelial tissue
- Histologically similar and hence grouped under general term "epidermoid cyst"
- Wall of cyst must not contain dermal elements
- Presence of dermal elements → designation as dermoid cyst
- Epidermis = outer layers of skin
- Contains keratinocytes, corneocytes, and melanocytes
- Dermis = inner layers of skin that support epidermis
- Contains hair follicles, nerves, sweat glands, small blood vessels, and sebaceous glands
- Slow-growing subdermal cyst that contains keratin and is lined by stratified squamous epithelium
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Selected References
- Clarke R et al: Twinkle artefact in the ultrasound diagnosis of superficial epidermoid cysts. Ultrasound. 24(3):147-153, 2016
- Park HJ et al: Strain elastography features of epidermoid tumours in superficial soft tissue: differences from other benign soft-tissue tumours and malignant tumours. Br J Radiol. 88(1050):20140797, 2015
- Hung EH et al: Pitfalls in ultrasonography of soft tissue tumors. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 18(1):79-85, 2014
- Hung EH et al: Ultrasound of musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumors superficial to the investing fascia. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 202(6):W532-40, 2014
- Yuan WH et al: Differences in sonographic features of ruptured and unruptured epidermal cysts. J Ultrasound Med. 31(2):265-72, 2012
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References
Tables
Tables
KEY FACTS
Terminology
Imaging
Top Differential Diagnoses
Diagnostic Checklist
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
- Epidermal inclusion cyst, epidermal cyst, infundibular cyst, sebaceous cyst
Definitions
- Slow-growing subdermal cyst that contains keratin and is lined by stratified squamous epithelium
- Most cysts are due to ductal blockage of hair follicles with downward rupture of obstructed pilosebaceous unit
- Some cysts are due to traumatic or embryological subdermal sequestration of epithelial tissue
- Histologically similar and hence grouped under general term "epidermoid cyst"
- Wall of cyst must not contain dermal elements
- Presence of dermal elements → designation as dermoid cyst
- Epidermis = outer layers of skin
- Contains keratinocytes, corneocytes, and melanocytes
- Dermis = inner layers of skin that support epidermis
- Contains hair follicles, nerves, sweat glands, small blood vessels, and sebaceous glands
- Slow-growing subdermal cyst that contains keratin and is lined by stratified squamous epithelium
IMAGING
General Features
Radiographic Findings
CT Findings
MR Findings
Ultrasonographic Findings
Imaging Recommendations
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
PATHOLOGY
General Features
Gross Pathologic & Surgical Features
CLINICAL ISSUES
Presentation
Demographics
Natural History & Prognosis
Treatment
DIAGNOSTIC CHECKLIST
Consider
Selected References
- Clarke R et al: Twinkle artefact in the ultrasound diagnosis of superficial epidermoid cysts. Ultrasound. 24(3):147-153, 2016
- Park HJ et al: Strain elastography features of epidermoid tumours in superficial soft tissue: differences from other benign soft-tissue tumours and malignant tumours. Br J Radiol. 88(1050):20140797, 2015
- Hung EH et al: Pitfalls in ultrasonography of soft tissue tumors. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 18(1):79-85, 2014
- Hung EH et al: Ultrasound of musculoskeletal soft-tissue tumors superficial to the investing fascia. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 202(6):W532-40, 2014
- Yuan WH et al: Differences in sonographic features of ruptured and unruptured epidermal cysts. J Ultrasound Med. 31(2):265-72, 2012
