clinical features

Last reviewed 09/2021

The clinical features of epidermal cysts include:

• may be multiple lesions
• sites:
• anywhere on the body but only rarely on the soles and palms as a result of implantation
• the most common locations are the trunk, neck, face and scalp
• commonly:
• smooth
• spherical
• dome-shaped
• firm
• up to several centimetres in diameter
• mobile within dermis
• tethered to epidermis
• covered with normal epidermis but may appear yellow or white if superficial
• punctum - blocked duct - may be visible
• the cyst may discharge a creamy material; this may dry in the centre to form a horn

• the cyst may become secondarily infected