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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffIn rare cases, epidermoid cysts can give rise to basal and squamous cell skin cancers. Because this occurs so seldom, epidermoid cysts usually aren't biopsied unless they're solid, immobile, infected or have other unusual characteristics that suggest a more serious problem. Besides cancer, other complications include:
- Inflammation. Epidermoid cysts can become tender and swollen, even if they're not infected. Inflamed cysts are difficult to remove, and your doctor is likely to postpone treating them until the inflammation subsides.
- Rupture. A ruptured cyst often leads to a boil-like abscess that requires prompt treatment.
- Infection. An epidermoid cyst can become infected spontaneously or after a rupture.
- Genital discomfort. Genital epidermoid cysts can lead to painful intercourse and urination.
References
- Lynch PJ. Vulvar neoplasms and cysts. In: Black M, et al. Obstetric and Gynecologic Dermatology. 3rd ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3445-0..10023-2--s0020&uniq=130671532&isbn=978-0-7234-3445-0&sid=827482137#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3445-0..10023-2%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-0-7234-3445-0. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Benign neoplasms of the skin. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Epidermal cysts. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec10/ch127/ch127c.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Benign skin tumors. In: Habif TP. Habif: Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2006. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/130671532-17/0/1195/141.html?tocnode=51442353&fromURL=141.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Epithelial cysts and sinuses. In: James WD, et al. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-2921-6..50033-0--cesec136&displayedEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-2921-6..50033-0--cesec137&uniq=130671532&isbn=978-0-7216-2921-6&sid=827486768#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-0-7216-2921-6..50033-0--cesec136%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-0-7216-2921-6. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Pisharodi L, et al. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. In: Gnepp DR. A Diagnostic Surgical Pathology of the Head and Neck. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/book/player/book.do?method=display&type=bookPage&decorator=header&eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2589-4..00015-2--s0360&uniq=130671532&isbn=978-1-4160-2589-4&sid=827488065#lpState=open&lpTab=contentsTab&content=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-2589-4..00015-2%3Bfrom%3Dtoc%3Btype%3DbookPage%3Bisbn%3D978-1-4160-2589-4. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Goldstein BG, et al. Dermatologic procedures. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Penneys NS, et al. Common benign cutaneous growths: Seborrheic keratoses, cherry hemangiomas, and epidermoid cysts. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/benign_cutan_growths.htm. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. April 16, 2009.
