Can sebaceous cyst cause cancer?

Sebaceous cysts are a nightmare! These pesky little bumps can show up anywhere on the body and make life feel like an absolute disaster. But, what’s even worse is worrying that something might be lurking under the surface. Many people with sebaceous cysts worry that there could be more to it than meets the eye – they’re scared their benign bump might actually pack a dangerous punch.

But, we’re here to answer your biggest question: can sebaceous cyst cause cancer?

What is a Sebaceous Cyst?

First things first; let’s get down to business and define exactly what we mean by “sebaceous cyst”. In layman’s terms, these unsightly lumps are pockets of flesh filled with pus or skin cells. GROSS!

They develop when glands in our skin become blocked – this stops oil from escaping properly which leads to inflammation around hair follicles or sweat ducts.

Sebaceous cysts aren’t usually painful but they can look pretty freaky! Typically round with white-ish cheese-like zit-looking goo inside them (cringe), most people choose to have them removed because they just don’t look…very pretty.

Can A Sebaceous Cyst Cause Cancer?

So let’s jump right into it – can a sebaceous cyst really turn into cancer? The short answer is no…

That being said, there have been some rare cases where certain types of cutaneous malignant tumors (aka CMG) form within a pre-existing epidermoid (a type of non-cancerous) or dermoid (a type containing various cell layers such as skin/hair/nails etc.).

This confusing sentence essentially means that out of many many thousands/several hundreds-of-thousands/millions/billions/trillions/quadrillion-and-a-half/remove/any option/ sebaceous cysts, there is a chance – although slight – that it COULD turn into cancer.

Lucky for us though the risk remains incredibly low – approximately 0.001% of sebaceous cysts develop into malignant tumours.

The Types Of Cancers That Can Form Within A Sebaceous Cyst

CMGs are rare types of cancer that can affect anywhere on the skin and in some circumstances arise from pre-existing sebaceous/epidermoid (non-cancerous) or dermoid (containing various cell layers like hair/skin/nails etc.) cysts/clusters.

The three main distinct subtypes if tumors include:

Basal Cell Carcinomas

Abbreviated as BCC; basal cells reside at the base/hypodermic layer beneath the epidermis within our skin, frequently arising on sun-exposed areas such as face/head/neck but occasionally found elsewhere including calcified/sebacous/basosquamous/Borrelial forms over pre-existing adnexal lesions most commonly involving a fibro-epithelial polyp section of skin.

Revolutionary stuff right?

BCC’s mirror their origins being slow-growing, insidious & don’t usually metastasize/spread very far outside its origin localities appearing as white-yellow round patches on surface often with telangiectatic vessels surrounding periphery i.e small visible blood vessels around rim.

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Alternatively referred to as SCC; squamous cells located closer to outer-layer-of-skin i.e strattum corneum accumulate due multiple hazardous effects such smoking/excess uv-radiation from sun/tanning beds inter-alia notably after repeated trauma/appearance post radiotherapy or other dermatological treatments – therefore holding similar appearance/location preference similar adjacent/at-risk articulations e.g lips/toes/genitals/anus/cycle track/skin around anus/12mm from urethral meatus.

Melanomas

Tumors emerging as a result of melanocytes lying much nearer the epidermis in comparison to BCC & SCC arising commonly on sunburned/unprotected skin; alternatively, subungual variety presents beneath fingernails/toenails garnering an ominous appearance dubbed“toe-jam juice” yet less clinically severe than other equivalent types aforementioned above.

Don’t Panic About Sebaceous Cysts!

Whilst I can almost hear you all frantically googling: “Can my sebaceous cyst become cancer?!”, please don’t panic! As mentioned before it’s exceptionally unlikely that your bump will turn into something more sinister. So, should you be worried about your sebacous cyst turning into a cancer?

No – stop worrying and start building up some plaque on those teeth! Just kidding of course…But seriously dental hygiene is important people!

The small chance that CMGs would actually develop (cough 0.001% cough) makes having a sebaceous cyst somewhat akin to standing out in the rain with metal objects wire-tied to every inch of exposed flesh – essentially still effective but just not worth losing sleep over.

Remember guys this isn’t one of those celebs-starring-in-public-service-announce segments; “This has been Dr Phil (not really) talking at you”. BUT if you feel uneasy or notice anything unusual then have it checked/some kind medical attention enlisted for best peace of mind…err advice.

Let’s summarize everything thus far:

  • Sebaceous cyts are revolting bumps caused by blockage within glands.
  • Rarely these types benign lesion can form hard shell-like covering harbouring several cell types
  • An incredibly tiny percentage (merely 0.01%) may transform into cancer.
  • Three types of malignancies arise from these cysts: BCC, SCC and Melanomas.
  • Relax! It’s not necessary to worry excessively about developing cancer in the future.

Now you’re well equipped with knowledge about sebaceous cysts, their complications and unachievable outcomes – don’t forget to pass it along. HUGGING NOT PANICKING PEOPLE 😉

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