Cysts

You will recognize a cyst because of its appearance – usually smooth to the touch when rolled under the skin. Cysts are painless and slow-growing.

There are a number of conditions that cause lumps and bumps to appear on the surface of the skin or just below the skin and as well as cysts, the most common include:

Cherry Angioma –  a smooth, cherry-red bump on the skin that usually appears on the trunk of the body, although they can occur nearly anywhere. The cause of cherry angiomas is not known and the growths usually appear on people over the age of 40. Cherry angiomas are small, bright red growths that are smooth. The size of the growths can vary from the size of a pinhead to about a quarter of an inch in diameter. In most cases, cherry angiomas do not require treatment.

Dermatofibromas –  these are harmless, round, red-brownish growths that are most commonly found on the arms and legs. Dermatofibromas contain scar tissue and feel like hard lumps in the skin.  In most cases, there is no need to treat dermatofibromas.

Epidermoid Cysts – epidermoid cysts, also called sebaceous cysts, are benign (non-cancerous) skin cysts formed from blocked oil glands in the skin. Most commonly, epidermoid cysts are found on the genitals, torso and back; but can occur elsewhere. In general, epidermoid cysts have a round appearance. A dark portion of the cyst is visible on the skin. If the cysts become infected, they will become red and tender. When the cysts are squeezed, they can produce a white discharge.

Folliculitis – Folliculitis is an inflammation of the hair follicles. It can be caused by an infection in the hair follicles, by chemical irritation or by physical irritation (for example, shaving or friction from clothing). Typical body sites that are involved in folliculitis include the face, thighs and scalp. Folliculitis is more common in people who have diabetes mellitus. It also is more common in people who are obese or have compromised immune systems. The main lesion in folliculitis is a papule or pustule with a central hair. The hair shaft in the middle of the lesion may not be seen.

Keratoacanthoma – A keratoancanthoma occurs when cells in a hair follicle do not grow normally. The growth apparently is triggered by sun damage. Ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure is the biggest risk factor in keratoacanthomas.  They usually appear on sun-damaged skin as a thick growth that has a central crusted plug.  Keratoacanthomas appear most often in people who are over the age of 60. Keratoacanthomas are rapidly growing, red, dome-shaped bumps with central craters. Some keratoacanthomas can become extremely large, occasionally seven to fifteen centimetres in diameter.

Keratosis Pilaris –   (commonly called KP) this appears as “chicken skin bumps” on the skin. These bumps usually appear on the upper arms and thighs. They also can appear on the cheeks, back and buttocks. Keratosis pilaris, while unattractive, is harmless.  The bumps are usually white or red, but do not itch or hurt. Keratosis pilaris is usually worse during the winter months or other times of low humidity when skin becomes dry. It also may worsen during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Lipomas –  Lipomas are subcutaneous soft tissue tumors or nodules that are usually slow-growing and considered benign (not harmful). They have a firm, rubbery consistency. Lipomas tend to form on the torso, shoulders and neck, but can appear elsewhere on the body. Lipomas can appear as solitary nodules or in groups. Most lipomas are less than 5 cm in diameter and are asymptomatic, but they can cause pain when they compress nerves.

Neurofibromas – Neurofibromas are soft, fleshy growths that occur on or under the skin, sometimes even deep within the body. These are benign (harmless) tumours; however, they can turn malignant or cancerous in rare cases. The symptoms vary, depending on where they are sited and how large they are. Symptoms can include: A painless, slow-growing mass, occasional pain, electric-like shock when the affected area is touched. Neurological problems if the tumour involves a major motor or sensory nerve or one compressed between the tumour and a hard structure.

Cysts can appear anywhere on the external body. They can also occur internally – notably on the ovaries.