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Skin Cysts
If a skin cyst is bothering you or affecting your confidence, our team can help. The doctors at the Mole Institute in Hamilton specialize in sebaceous cyst removal. We use a minimal-scar technique to ensure patients traveling from St. Catherines, Ancaster, Burlington, and surrounding communities can feel more comfortable and confident with their results.
What are epidermoid cysts?
Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cyst – the ones people frequently (but incorrectly) refer to as “sebaceous cysts”. An epidermoid cyst actually originates from the epidermis (the outer layer of skin) rather than from a sebaceous gland. It forms when surface skin cells (or the lining of a hair follicle) become trapped beneath the skin instead of shedding off as usual. Those cells continue to multiply under the surface and create a sac or capsule. The sac then fills with keratin, a protein that makes up skin, hair, and nails. The trapped keratin inside the cyst becomes a soft, yellowish “cheese-like” material. This is why when an epidermoid cyst drains, it may release a thick, whitish substance (keratin debris) rather than oil.
True Sebaceous Cysts (Steatocystomas)
True sebaceous cysts are much less common than epidermoid cysts. The term “sebaceous” refers to sebaceous glands – the oil-producing glands in the skin. A true sebaceous cyst originates from a sebaceous gland (usually one attached to a hair follicle) and is essentially a blocked oil gland. In medical terms, these
are sometimes called steatocystomas when they occur singly (or steatocystoma multiplex when someone has many of them). Unlike epidermoid cysts (which contain keratin), a true sebaceous cyst is filled with sebum – the oily substance that sebaceous glands normally secrete to lubricate the skin and hair.
Your best C.A.R.E. is our priority
To meet with our team of physicians at the Mole Institute, follow our 4 step C.A.R.E. process. Book a consultation online or by calling (905) 906-SKIN (7546).
No referral is needed.
Connect
Call our office or book a free consultation online
Assess
Your condition will be assessed by a trained physician
Remove
Procedures can be done on the same day as your consultation
Enjoy
Enjoy your results with minimal downtime
Where can sebaceous cysts form?
Sebaceous cysts can develop almost anywhere on the body that has oil (sebaceous) glands. They tend to appear in areas where these glands are most active or where friction occurs. The most common locations include the face, neck, scalp, upper back, chest, arms, and armpits.
Sometimes, they also appear around the eyelids or eyebrows, where oil glands are concentrated. Although these cysts are typically painless, they can become tender or irritated if they grow larger or experience pressure—like when a cyst on the back is pressed against a chair or mattress.
If a cyst starts to feel uncomfortable, changes in size, or becomes red or inflamed, it’s best to have it assessed by a physician to rule out infection and discuss safe removal options.
Do sebaceous cysts need treatment?
Sebaceous cysts can sometimes become infected and cause spontaneous tenderness in the cyst along with redness and heat. An infected sebaceous cyst may need to be treated using antibiotics and/or a surgical drainage procedure. The cyst will then usually need to be formally excised at a later date once the infection has been resolved for at least several weeks.
Is cyst removal painful?
Before cyst removal, our highly experienced physicians numb the area with quick injections of a local anesthetic so you shouldn’t feel any pain.
Can you remove a cyst without surgery?
Small, non-infected cysts may be treatable with drainage or steroid injections. However, complete removal usually requires minor surgery to prevent recurrence.
Is the procedure safe?
When performed by an experienced physician, cyst removal is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal risk of complications.
Visit our FAQs page for more information about minor surgery at our centre.