What is steatocystoma?
Steatocystoma is a benign (noncancerous) skin cyst that arises from a sebaceous gland [1,2].
Steatocystoma simplex refers to a presence of a single cyst, which is usually acquired, and steatocystoma multiplex refers to a condition with multiple cysts, which is usually hereditary [1].
The term steatocystoma arises from “stear” (fat) and “cystis” (cyst).
Symptoms
In steatocystoma multiplex, after puberty, numerous nontender yellowish or flesh-colored cysts appear on various parts of the body, mainly on the chest, abdomen, upper arms, armpits, neck and face [1,2]. The cysts measure from 3 millimeters to 3 or more centimeters in size, are semi-translucent, soft or firm and without openings [1,4,5]. They contain sebum (a normal content of the sebaceous glands), which appears as a yellow liquid [1].
Steatocystoma rarely appears in children [2].
Picture 1. Steatocystoma
(source: DermNetNZ, CC license)
Picture 2. Steatocystoma on the face (source: Dermatology Atlas)
Picture 5. Steatocystoma on the chest and abdomen (source: JPGM, CC license)
Steatocystoma very rarely develops into cancer [5].
Differential Diagnosis
Other cysts and lumps similar to steatocystoma [5]:
- Eruptive vellus hair cyst
- Epidermoid cyst
- Cystic acne
- Lipoma
- Neurofibromatosis
- Gardner’s syndrome
- Syringoma
Treatment
Cysts can be removed by surgical excision, laser or cryotherapy [1].
Isotretinoin can reduce the size of the cysts [3].
- References
- Steatocystoma multiplex DermNetNZ
- Morrell DS, Steatocystoma Multiplex, Overview Emedicine
- Morrell DS, Steatocystoma Multiplex, Medication Emedicine
- Cutaneous cysts and pseudocysts DermNetNZ
- Leung AKC et al, 2016, MAN WITH A 15-YEAR HISTORY OF DERMAL CYSTS ON THE ABDOMEN Consultant360