A cyst is a sac-like structure that can appear almost anywhere on the body. Many of us have a cyst or several cysts somewhere on the body; for the majority of people, they cause no problems or discomfort at all.
A cyst might contain fluid, semi-solid materials, or even gas, and can vary enormously in size from very small to uncomfortably large. Cysts can form when there is some sort of blockage in a gland or duct, or they can come about due to abnormal tissue growth or even infection. Let’s take a look at dermoid and epidermoid cysts and their differences.
Dermoid cysts
A dermoid cyst may be made up of anything from tissue to hair, or even nerve tissue. They can technically appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on a person’s head or neck or a woman’s ovaries. As these types of cysts can be linked to embryonic development, they are often visible as soon as a baby is born or soon afterwards.
Epidermoid Cysts
Conversely, epidermoid cysts are usually made up of epithelial cells that have become keratinised. They are most frequently found on the trunk, face, or neck. Containing keratin and cellular debris, they don’t have a complex structure and never contain any skin appendages, such as hair follicles or sebaceous glands. Epidermoid cysts can sometimes appear without any apparent trigger; at other times, they can come about following inflammation or trauma.
Neither type of cyst typically causes any pain; however, a dermoid cyst might cause complications if it ruptures or becomes infected, particularly if the cyst is located near a vital structure. If you have any worries about cysts Manchester or another location, a specialist healthcare provider such as https://www.manchesterlumpsclinic.com/common-lumps/cysts can examine the cyst and provide reassurance and tailored advice on its management.
In the case of both dermoid and epidermoid cysts, an ultrasound is likely to be used to identify the cyst and provide information on what – if anything – needs to be done about it.
