My friends dog supposedly has Sebaceous cysts and I was wondering what they are?

Question

How big are they? and what do they consist of. Are they suppose to be movable under the skin? And do they disapear and reaccur many times? my friend wants to know cuz she is really worried. Thanks Give me all the details you can

Answer 1

It's basically acne oils that have hardened.
Humans get them all the time. They're harmless and if they do flare up, they just become a large pimple.

Answer 2

Sebaceous cysts : A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac found just under the skin containing pasty- or cheesy-looking skin secretions.

Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles. Skin trauma can also induce a cyst to form. A sac of cells is created into which a protein called keratin is secreted.

These cysts are usually found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are usually slow- growing, painless, freely movable lumps beneath the skin. Occasionally, however, a cyst will become inflamed and tender.

In most cases, your physician can diagnose a cyst based on its appearance. Occasionally, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions with a similar appearance.

Sebaceous cysts are not dangerous and can usually be ignored. At times, they may become inflamed and tender. Others may grow large and interfere with day-to-day life. In these cases, you can have them surgically removed in a physician's office. Alternatively, small inflamed cysts can be treated by injection of steroid medications.

Answer 3

Illustrations

Hair follicle anatomy


Alternative names Return to top

Epidermal cyst; Keratin cyst; Epidermoid cyst
Definition Return to top

A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac found just under the skin containing pasty- or cheesy-looking skin secretions.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top

Sebaceous cysts most often arise from swollen hair follicles. Skin trauma can also induce a cyst to form. A sac of cells is created into which a protein called keratin is secreted.

These cysts are usually found on the face, neck, and trunk. They are usually slow- growing, painless, freely movable lumps beneath the skin. Occasionally, however, a cyst will become inflamed and tender.

Symptoms Return to top

Usually a nontender, small lump beneath the skin
Redness, tenderness, or increased temperature of the skin over the area may occur infection
Grayish-white, cheesy, foul-smelling material may drain from the cyst
Signs and tests Return to top

In most cases, your physician can diagnose a cyst based on its appearance. Occasionally, a biopsy may be needed to rule out other conditions with a similar appearance.

Treatment Return to top

Sebaceous cysts are not dangerous and can usually be ignored. At times, they may become inflamed and tender. Others may grow large and interfere with day-to-day life. In these cases, you can have them surgically removed in a physician's office. Alternatively, small inflamed cysts can be treated by injection of steroid medications.

Expectations (prognosis) Return to top

Most cysts may be ignored or treated with simple surgery.

Complications Return to top

These cysts may occasionally become infected and form into painful abscesses. Recurrence after excision is also not unusual.

Calling your health care provider Return to top

Call your health care provider if you notice any new growths on your body. Though cysts are not dangerous, your doctor should examine you to ensure that skin cancer is not present.


Update Date: 4/30/2005

Updated by: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

Answer 4

sebaceous cyst - a common cyst of the skin; filled with fatty matter (sebum) that is secreted by a sebaceous gland that has been blocked

Answer 5

All of your answer is right, I have found that if you give your dog rice one or two time a week mix what they wet food. It will make them do down or away. My dog get them when I see them out come the rice, plus he love rice in his food.

Answer 6

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebaceous_cyst