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General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
An epidermoid cyst is a chronic condition characterized by a sac filled with keratin, which is a protein found in skin and hair. This sac is usually located on the skin's surface and can be found in various parts of the body, such as the eyelids, nose, or ears. The sac may contain a small amount of pus, which can cause discomfort or pain.
Symptoms of epidermoid cysts include a painless, firm lump on the skin, which may become inflamed or infected. The cyst can grow larger over time, and in some cases, it may rupture, causing the contents to drain and causing discomfort.
It is important to see a qualified clinician if you suspect you have an epidermoid cyst, especially if the symptoms worsen or if there is any concern about the cyst's location or size. A clinician can confirm the diagnosis by performing a physical examination and, if necessary, ordering imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI to assess the cyst's location and size.
Epidermoid cysts are usually not treated unless they become infected or cause discomfort. Treatment is typically decided by a clinician after confirming the diagnosis and may involve draining the cyst, removing the contents, or surgical removal. No dosing information is given for treatment options.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
Epidermoid cyst is a chronic condition assessed by SI.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
Findings that point to it: punctum cyst.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
See a qualified clinician to confirm or rule this out, sooner if symptoms worsen.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
Tests used to confirm: leave alone unless infected or troublesome.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
Treatment is decided by a clinician after confirming the diagnosis. No dosing information is given here.
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
NICE CKS epidermoid and pilar cysts
Sources: SI, NLM MedlinePlus · Reference · Mayo Clinic
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Text: SI summary in its own words (CC BY 4.0) with NLM MedlinePlus public-domain summary; facts checked against WHO fact sheets (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO, paraphrased with attribution) and Mayo Clinic (linked reference only, no text used); ICD-10 and labels from Wikidata (CC0).