Excision of an Epidermal Cyst

An epidermal cyst (atheroma) is removed from the eyebrow area. An atheroma is always tightly fixed to the skin, which helps to differentiate if from a lipoma which is mobile under the skin. At the start of the excision, very superficial incisions are made with scalpel, followed by preparation with scissors along the cyst capsule. There are many adhesions to the surrounding tissues, and the preparation takes time. The cyst should remain unbroken during the procedure, because a broken capsule is very difficult to remove completely. The diagnosis is confirmed by cutting through the wall of the excised cyst to see the sebaceous content. Histological diagnosis is not necessary. See also video Excision of an Epidermal Cyst from the Earlobe.

Excision of an Epidermal Cyst