What is a trichilemmal cyst and where does it form?
A trichilemmal cyst forms from a hair follicle, most often on the scalp. Approximately 90% of cases occur on the scalp in areas of high hair follicle concentration.
Questions about Trichilemmal cyst
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How can you distinguish a trichilemmal cyst from a sebaceous cyst?
Trichilemmal cysts are not true sebaceous cysts because they originate from hair follicles rather than sebaceous glands. True sebaceous cysts contain sebum and are known as steatocystoma simplex or steatocystoma multiplex if multiple exist.
Why do medical professionals recommend avoiding the term sebaceous cyst for this condition?
Medical professionals have suggested that the term sebaceous cyst be avoided since it can be misleading regarding the origin of the growth. The naming confusion persists despite expert recommendations to stop using the label for epidermoid and pilar cysts.
Can a trichilemmal cyst become cancerous or malignant?
Very rarely trichilemmal cysts can become cancerous despite their generally benign nature. Proliferating trichilemmal tumors may display nuclear atypia and dyskeratotic cells which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of squamous-cell carcinoma during visual inspection.
What surgical methods treat a trichilemmal cyst effectively?
Minimal excision is appropriate to treat some trichilemmal cysts while others require formal surgical excision under local anesthetic. A small punch biopsy about one-fourth the diameter of the cyst works best on cysts larger than a pea that have formed a thick enough wall.