Have you ever noticed a small lump on your scalp while brushing your hair or taking a shower? It probably doesn't even hurt to look at it. It's normal to feel a little scared when you see something like this. So today we're going to talk about this type of lump, called a Pilar Cyst.
What is a Pilar Cyst? Are these dangerous?
Simply put, a pilar cyst is a small, noncancerous (benign) cyst that develops in the hair follicles, where your hair grows. Most often, these are found on the head, or scalp. However, they can also appear on the face, neck, arms, and legs. Some people also call them trichilemmal cysts.
Usually, these (trichilemmal cysts) do not cause pain. However, if one of these cysts bursts on its own, if you try to squeeze it, or if it presses against the scalp, it can be a little painful. Doctors usually remove these cysts by surgery.
Are these (Pilar Cysts) common?
In fact, about 10% of the population can develop this (Pilar Cyst). That means about one in every ten people. However, women are more likely to develop these (trichilemmal cysts) than men.
What do these fruits look like? How do you hold them in your hand?
When you comb your hair or take a shower, you may notice a smooth, skin-colored lump on your scalp. This could be a pilar cyst. These are most often found on the scalp, face, and neck. If one lump appears, there is a chance that more will appear.
These (Pilar Cysts) grow slowly, little by little. So you may not notice them right away. But sometimes they can be as big as a baseball! Even though these cysts are harmless and not cancerous, having a large cyst on your head can be a bit embarrassing and embarrassing for some people, right?
Can these (Trichilemmal Cysts) turn into cancer?
Here's a question that many people have. Rest assured, most trichilemmal cysts are benign. That means they don't turn into cancer. However, very rarely, about 3% of all trichilemmal cysts can develop into a condition called proliferating trichilemmal tumors, or PTTs. These are called proliferating tumors because they grow more slowly than pilar cysts. Like pilar cysts, doctors treat PTTs by removing them surgically.
What is the difference between a Pilar Cyst and a Sebaceous Cyst?
Many people confuse these (Pilar Cysts) and (sebaceous cysts). But there are several clear differences between the two. Let's see what they are?
- Pilar cysts form around hair follicles, most often on the scalp. Sebaceous cysts form in glands called sebaceous glands. These glands can be found almost anywhere on the body.
- Sebaceous glands secrete a substance called sebum. This is one of the reasons why our skin is oily. But trichilemmal cysts are filled with a protein called keratin. This keratin is the main ingredient that makes up our hair, skin, and nails.
- Pilar cysts are usually round, smooth, and like I said before, they can sometimes get quite large. But sebaceous cysts are small cysts with a small hole at the top. If you squeeze them, the sebum comes out.
Do you understand the difference? It's better not to confuse the two.
Why do these (Pilar Cysts) form? What is the cause?
Simply put, pilar cysts form when old skin cells and a protein called keratin start to build up under the skin. Our skin is constantly making new cells and shedding old ones. Normally, these old cells stop dividing and fall off the surface of the skin.
But sometimes, these old cells get stuck under the top layer of skin, the epidermis. Then they keep dividing there. At the same time, your scalp produces keratin, the protein that makes your hair, skin, and nails. Then those old skin cells and these keratin cells start to build up layer upon layer. Over time, when many layers have accumulated, these (Pilar Cysts) are formed. When these cysts push up and come to the surface of the skin, you can see them and feel them.
Another important thing is that these (Pilar Cysts) can be hereditary. This means that if someone in your family has these cysts, there is a chance that you will also develop them.
What are the symptoms of a Trichilemmal Cyst?
Trichilemmal Cysts are usually skin-colored lumps (nodules) or cysts. They most often appear on the scalp. They can also appear on the face, neck, arms, and legs. You may not realize you have these cysts until they get very large, or you can feel them, or they burst.
How do doctors diagnose Trichilemmal Cysts?
Most often, doctors will examine your scalp. In some cases, they may order a CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan) to see if the tumor has grown or if it has spread to the bones of the skull.
What are the treatments for Pilar Cysts?
Doctors usually perform surgery to remove trichilemmal cysts. You may also need to shave a small amount of hair off your head to remove the cyst. After the cyst is removed, the incision is closed with stitches. Sometimes the cyst is examined under a microscope to make sure it is not cancerous.
What are the possible complications or side effects of treatment?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection at your surgery site. Your doctor will tell you how to keep the area clean and protect it from infection. You should follow those instructions exactly.
Can the formation of these (Trichilemmal Cysts) be prevented?
As I mentioned before, Pilar Cysts are a hereditary condition. This means that if other people in your family have them, you are more likely to develop them too. If you know that someone in your family has trichilemmal cysts, ask your doctor what you can do to watch out for Pilar Cysts.
What should I expect if I have (Pilar Cysts)?
You may need more than one surgery to remove all of the pilar cysts on your head. These cysts can come back, so you need to be careful to see if new ones appear.
How can I take care of myself if I have (Pilar Cysts)?
The most important thing to do here is to seek the help of a doctor to remove your trichilemmal cysts. If you try to squeeze, pop, or cut these cysts yourself, there is a high chance of infection.
Sometimes these cysts can burst on their own. If this happens, you should immediately place a clean gauze pad on the area and see a doctor.
When should I see my doctor?
If you notice lumps on your scalp, it's best to see a doctor, as they could be cysts. If you've had a cyst removed in the past, keep an eye on your scalp for new lumps. Tell your doctor if you notice anything new.
When should I go to the emergency room?
If your cyst bursts, or if you think the surgical site where the cyst was removed has become infected, you should definitely go to the emergency room. Signs of an infection include:
- Fever is higher than 100.4°F (38°C).
- If your tumor hurts when you touch it, or feels hot.
- If the skin around the tumor looks red and swollen.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
Pilar cysts are a type of non-cancerous, but rare, growth that usually occurs on the scalp. So, living with pilar cysts can cause you a number of problems. You can ask your doctor about things like:
- Why do I have these lumps?
- How big will my tumors get?
- How do I know if my cysts are turning into cancer?
- Do I need surgery to remove these tumors?
- Can these come back after surgery?
Pilar cysts are probably more of a nuisance than a serious medical problem. But they can be a problem if they become large enough to cause discomfort or embarrassment, or if they burst. Remember that trichilemmal cysts can run in families. If someone in your family has pilar cysts, it's worth asking your doctor about how to keep an eye on them and when it's best to have them surgically removed.
Take-Home Message:
Okay, so let's simply remind you of the things we talked about (Pilar Cyst) that you need to keep in mind.
- Pilar cysts are a type of non-cancerous tumor that usually forms on the scalp, around the hair follicles.
- These usually don't hurt, but if they get bigger, they can be uncomfortable.
- These can be hereditary, meaning if someone in your family has them, you're more likely to develop them too.
- Do not confuse them with (Sebaceous Cysts). There are differences between the two. (Pilar Cysts) contain a protein called (keratin).
- Very rarely do these become cancerous (PTTs).
- The treatment is surgical removal. Don't try to squeeze or break it yourself, it can lead to infection.
- If you notice a new lump on your head, if you notice an existing lump changing, or if it bursts, be sure to seek medical advice.
There's nothing to worry about, but the most important thing is to be aware. If you have any further questions about this, talk to your family doctor or a dermatologist.
` Pilaris cyst, scalp cyst, skin cyst, hair follicle cyst, trichilemmal cyst, keratin, surgery
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