Anyone can develop a sebaceous cyst, but this is rare in children before puberty. It is a slow- growing, benign lump and is normally painless

A sebaceous cyst is a benign lump and appears as a smooth, round swelling of variable size, often with a characteristic ‘punctum’ in the centre. The sebaceous cyst is filled with ‘soft cheesy’ or ‘toothpaste’ like material, which largely consists of keratin derived from skin.

Sebaceous cysts can occur in any part of the body but are common in the scalp, ear, face, chest, back and scrotum.

A sebaceous cyst can get infected and may form an abscess requiring antibiotics and drainage. The diagnosis of a sebaceous cyst can be made clinically and does not require any tests or investigations.

Sebaceous cysts are removed for cosmetic reasons, development of complications (infection, abscess), pain (rare) and hindrance in carrying out normal daily activities.

Excision of a sebaceous cyst is a day case procedure that can be performed under local anaesthetic.

The skin is sutured using a dissolvable stitch that does not require removal. Occasionally, skin glue is used to close small wounds after surgery.

The patients can go home the same day and can normally return to work immediately.

The wound is checked after a few weeks following the surgery. No further follow up is normally required if the healing is satisfactory.

Our Surgeons have extensive experience in removing cysts with minimal or no scarring.