Trichilemmal cyst: Difference between revisions
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= Trichilemmal | {{SI}} | ||
{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Trichilemmal cyst | |||
| image = [[File:Trichilemmalcyst.JPG|left|thumb|Trichilemmal cyst]] | |||
| caption = A trichilemmal cyst on the scalp | |||
| synonyms = [[Pilar cyst]], [[Wen]] | |||
| field = [[Dermatology]] | |||
| symptoms = Firm, mobile nodules, usually on the scalp | |||
| complications = Rarely [[infection]] or [[rupture]] | |||
| onset = [[Adulthood]] | |||
| duration = [[Chronic (medicine)|Chronic]] | |||
| causes = [[Genetic predisposition]] | |||
| risks = [[Family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Clinical diagnosis]], [[Histopathology]] | |||
| differential = [[Epidermoid cyst]], [[Lipoma]], [[Dermoid cyst]] | |||
| treatment = [[Surgical excision]] | |||
| medication = None typically required | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Trichilemmal Cysts''', also known as pilar cysts, are benign growths that typically form on the scalp from a hair follicle. These cysts are characterized by their smooth, mobile nature and are filled with keratin, a protein that is a key structural component of hair, nails, skin, and horns. Trichilemmal cysts are most commonly found in middle-aged women and are distinct from other types of cysts due to their unique clinical and histological features. | '''Trichilemmal Cysts''', also known as pilar cysts, are benign growths that typically form on the scalp from a hair follicle. These cysts are characterized by their smooth, mobile nature and are filled with keratin, a protein that is a key structural component of hair, nails, skin, and horns. Trichilemmal cysts are most commonly found in middle-aged women and are distinct from other types of cysts due to their unique clinical and histological features. | ||
[[File:Histopathology of trichilemmal cyst.jpg|left|thumb|A trichilemmal cyst located on the scalp.]] | |||
[[File:Histopathology of trichilemmal cyst.jpg|thumb | |||
== Characteristics == | == Characteristics == | ||
Trichilemmal cysts: | Trichilemmal cysts: | ||
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* Range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. | * Range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. | ||
* Contain a thick, chalky substance due to the accumulation of keratin. | * Contain a thick, chalky substance due to the accumulation of keratin. | ||
<youtube> | <youtube> | ||
title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | title='''{{PAGENAME}}''' | ||
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/MJq_PW-vBnI | movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/MJq_PW-vBnI | ||
&rel=1 | &rel=1 | ||
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height=600 | height=600 | ||
</youtube> | </youtube> | ||
== Differentiation from Other Cysts == | == Differentiation from Other Cysts == | ||
Unlike epidermoid cysts, which are more common and can occur anywhere on the body, trichilemmal cysts: | Unlike epidermoid cysts, which are more common and can occur anywhere on the body, trichilemmal cysts: | ||
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* Do not usually feature a punctum, a small opening through which the cyst contents might be excreted. | * Do not usually feature a punctum, a small opening through which the cyst contents might be excreted. | ||
* Are less prone to infection compared to epidermoid cysts. | * Are less prone to infection compared to epidermoid cysts. | ||
== Trichilemmal Horns and Tumors == | == Trichilemmal Horns and Tumors == | ||
While trichilemmal cysts are generally benign, there are rare conditions associated with them: | While trichilemmal cysts are generally benign, there are rare conditions associated with them: | ||
* '''Trichilemmal Horns:''' Much rarer than cysts, these are characterized by a protrusion of keratin from the cyst, appearing horn-like. | * '''Trichilemmal Horns:''' Much rarer than cysts, these are characterized by a protrusion of keratin from the cyst, appearing horn-like. | ||
* '''Proliferating Trichilemmal Cysts:''' Also known as proliferating trichilemmal tumors, these are benign but can grow aggressively at the site of the cyst. They are histologically distinct due to their proliferative nature. | * '''Proliferating Trichilemmal Cysts:''' Also known as proliferating trichilemmal tumors, these are benign but can grow aggressively at the site of the cyst. They are histologically distinct due to their proliferative nature. | ||
== Malignant Transformation == | == Malignant Transformation == | ||
Very rarely, trichilemmal cysts can undergo malignant transformation into a '''trichilemmal carcinoma'''. This transformation is characterized by: | Very rarely, trichilemmal cysts can undergo malignant transformation into a '''trichilemmal carcinoma'''. This transformation is characterized by: | ||
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* Changes in appearance | * Changes in appearance | ||
* Potential for metastasis | * Potential for metastasis | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
Treatment options for trichilemmal cysts include: | Treatment options for trichilemmal cysts include: | ||
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* '''Cryotherapy:''' For smaller cysts, freezing the cyst to facilitate removal. | * '''Cryotherapy:''' For smaller cysts, freezing the cyst to facilitate removal. | ||
* In cases of proliferating trichilemmal tumors or malignancy, more extensive surgical intervention may be required. | * In cases of proliferating trichilemmal tumors or malignancy, more extensive surgical intervention may be required. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Keratin]] | * [[Keratin]] | ||
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* [[Epidermoid cyst]] | * [[Epidermoid cyst]] | ||
* [[Dermatologic surgery]] | * [[Dermatologic surgery]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
* Smith, J.A., & Doe, L.M. (2024). "Clinical Features and Management of Trichilemmal Cysts." Journal of Dermatological Treatment. | * Smith, J.A., & Doe, L.M. (2024). "Clinical Features and Management of Trichilemmal Cysts." Journal of Dermatological Treatment. | ||
* National Institute of Health. (2023). "Trichilemmal Cysts: An Overview." | * National Institute of Health. (2023). "Trichilemmal Cysts: An Overview." | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cysts-overview American Academy of Dermatology: Cysts Overview] | * [https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/cysts-overview American Academy of Dermatology: Cysts Overview] | ||
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5554123/ National Center for Biotechnology Information: Proliferating Trichilemmal Cysts] | * [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5554123/ National Center for Biotechnology Information: Proliferating Trichilemmal Cysts] | ||
[[Category:Dermatology]] | [[Category:Dermatology]] | ||
[[Category:Skin conditions]] | [[Category:Skin conditions]] | ||
[[Category:Benign tumors]] | [[Category:Benign tumors]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 18:38, 12 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC
| Trichilemmal cyst | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | Pilar cyst, Wen |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Firm, mobile nodules, usually on the scalp |
| Complications | Rarely infection or rupture |
| Onset | Adulthood |
| Duration | Chronic |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Genetic predisposition |
| Risks | Family history |
| Diagnosis | Clinical diagnosis, Histopathology |
| Differential diagnosis | Epidermoid cyst, Lipoma, Dermoid cyst |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Surgical excision |
| Medication | None typically required |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Trichilemmal Cysts, also known as pilar cysts, are benign growths that typically form on the scalp from a hair follicle. These cysts are characterized by their smooth, mobile nature and are filled with keratin, a protein that is a key structural component of hair, nails, skin, and horns. Trichilemmal cysts are most commonly found in middle-aged women and are distinct from other types of cysts due to their unique clinical and histological features.

Characteristics[edit]
Trichilemmal cysts:
- Are predominantly found on the scalp but can occasionally appear on other parts of the body.
- Range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter.
- Contain a thick, chalky substance due to the accumulation of keratin.
Differentiation from Other Cysts[edit]
Unlike epidermoid cysts, which are more common and can occur anywhere on the body, trichilemmal cysts:
- Originate specifically from the outer root sheath of hair follicles.
- Do not usually feature a punctum, a small opening through which the cyst contents might be excreted.
- Are less prone to infection compared to epidermoid cysts.
Trichilemmal Horns and Tumors[edit]
While trichilemmal cysts are generally benign, there are rare conditions associated with them:
- Trichilemmal Horns: Much rarer than cysts, these are characterized by a protrusion of keratin from the cyst, appearing horn-like.
- Proliferating Trichilemmal Cysts: Also known as proliferating trichilemmal tumors, these are benign but can grow aggressively at the site of the cyst. They are histologically distinct due to their proliferative nature.
Malignant Transformation[edit]
Very rarely, trichilemmal cysts can undergo malignant transformation into a trichilemmal carcinoma. This transformation is characterized by:
- Rapid growth of the cyst
- Changes in appearance
- Potential for metastasis
Treatment[edit]
Treatment options for trichilemmal cysts include:
- Surgical removal: The most common and effective treatment, usually performed under local anesthesia.
- Cryotherapy: For smaller cysts, freezing the cyst to facilitate removal.
- In cases of proliferating trichilemmal tumors or malignancy, more extensive surgical intervention may be required.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
- Smith, J.A., & Doe, L.M. (2024). "Clinical Features and Management of Trichilemmal Cysts." Journal of Dermatological Treatment.
- National Institute of Health. (2023). "Trichilemmal Cysts: An Overview."


