pathology

Last reviewed 09/2021

Epidermal cysts are characterized by:

  • stratified squamous epithelial lining
  • keratin contents:
    • laminated distribution
    • often birefringent
    • may be associated with melanin and calcification
  • occasional cholesterol clefts
  • foreign body reaction around cyst:
    • multinucleate giant cells
    • believed to be due to spillage of cyst contents