cutaneous cysts

Last reviewed 09/2021

A cystic lesion in the skin is an epithelial-lined cavity that contains viscous or semi-solid epithelial degradation products.

Cystic lesions in the skin may be the result of various pathologies:

  • most arise from elements of hair follicles e.g. epidermal cysts, pilar cysts
  • from developmental epithelial remnants e.g. inclusion dermoid cysts
  • from traumatic implantation of epithelial fragments i.e. implantation dermoid cysts
  • ganglions are derived from the synovium of a joint or tendon sheath