The likelihood of sebaceous cysts turning cancerous

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on April 11, 2025
00:00
00:00

Sebaceous cysts are localized hypersecretion of sebaceous glands that form benign proliferations on the skin surface after mixing with bacterial infections. They generally form a sac under the skin containing tofu-dreg-like substances. Sebaceous cysts do not become malignant, and clinically, these diseases almost have no possibility of malignancy. Once discovered, it is essential to first get a diagnosis and then treatment at the dermatology department of a standard hospital. The most common treatment method is surgery to directly remove the tofu-dreg-like substances and the sac. If left untreated, the cyst may grow larger or rupture, leading to re-infection, which can be problematic.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
48sec home-news-image

Can sebaceous cysts be ignored?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that forms in areas of the skin where sebaceous glands are particularly active, containing a tofu-dreg-like substance encased in a cyst. Without treatment, they may gradually increase in size and can become painful or even rupture, leading to bacterial infection. It is generally advisable to seek treatment upon detection of such a condition. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital for a minor surgery to remove both the tofu-dreg-like substance and the cyst, which can be curative. It is also important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, bathe frequently, and exercise regularly to potentially prevent recurrence of the condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

Causes of sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation with various onset factors. The most common factor is the vigorous secretion of one's own sebaceous glands. If the local subcutaneous excretion is not smooth, it gradually accumulates over time to form a cyst. Some people develop the cyst because of a local purulent infection, leading to folliculitis or an abscess. Over time, if the pus is not completely eliminated, it gradually dries and accumulates to form a tofu-dregs-like substance. Once this disease is detected, common medications can no longer remove it. One can visit the dermatology department of a standard hospital to have a minor surgery that completely removes the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance. Maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits can help suppress the recurrence of this condition.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
54sec home-news-image

How to treat sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations that form under the skin in areas where the sebaceous glands are particularly active. They contain a sac filled with a substance that resembles tofu dregs. The most common treatment is a minor surgery to completely remove the contents of the cyst. After recovery, it is important to maintain a proper diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from drinking alcohol and eating hot peppers, try not to stay up late, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming pools. This condition has a tendency to recur, but forming good life habits after recovery can greatly reduce the recurrence rate. Additionally, oral medications that reduce sebum secretion may be taken, and frequent bathing with sulfur soap can help reduce bacterial infections on the skin surface. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
55sec home-news-image

Do sebaceous cysts require surgery?

Sebaceous cysts. These belong to a type of benign proliferation that forms after local skin inflammation and infection, where sebaceous glands cluster in a localized area. Generally, once a cyst has formed, medications alone cannot completely eliminate it. Only when the inflammatory infection is severe, can anti-inflammatory medications provide temporary symptom relief. The definitive treatment plan involves a minor surgery in a formal hospital's dermatology department to completely remove it. Normally, there is no recurrence as long as the cyst sac is completely cleared. After treatment, it is essential to regulate one's diet and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and minimize activities like public baths and swimming to reduce the risk of re-infection due to bacteria on the skin surface.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
52sec home-news-image

Can sebaceous cysts be treated with laser?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation that is somewhat related to vigorous sebaceous gland secretion. These are localized subcutaneous sacs containing a substance similar to tofu dregs. This condition cannot be treated with lasers. Using lasers to break the local epidermis can remove the tofu dregs-like substance inside, but it also hampers wound healing. The most common treatment for this condition is to visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital and undergo a minor surgery to entirely remove the cyst and the tofu dregs-like substance. After healing, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, engage in regular exercise, sweat more, and bathe frequently to help prevent recurrence.