Pilar cyst

Pilar Cyst

A Pilar cyst, also known as a trichilemmal cyst, is a common type of skin cyst that originates from the outer hair root sheath located in the hair follicle. These cysts are most commonly found on the scalp and are usually benign, although they can occasionally become malignant.

Causes

Pilar cysts are caused by the proliferation of cells in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle. These cells, which are normally shed into the hair follicle, become trapped and form a cyst. The exact cause of this proliferation is unknown, but it is thought to be related to genetic factors, as pilar cysts often run in families.

Symptoms

Pilar cysts are typically round, smooth, and filled with keratin, a protein found in hair and nails. They can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. Pilar cysts are usually painless, but they can become tender or even painful if they become inflamed or infected.

Treatment

Treatment for pilar cysts typically involves surgical removal. This is usually done under local anesthesia in a doctor's office. The cyst is cut out and the skin is stitched back together. In some cases, a doctor may choose to drain the cyst instead of removing it, but this is less common as the cyst may refill over time.

See Also

• Epidermoid cyst
• Sebaceous cyst
• Dermoid cyst

References

Pilar cyst Resources
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