The likelihood of sebaceous cysts turning cancerous

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on April 11, 2025
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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.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Will a sebaceous cyst go away on its own?

Once a sebaceous cyst forms, it will not disappear on its own. It will slowly grow larger, may cause pain, and could rupture, leading to secondary infections. Once diagnosed, it is recommended to have a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a formal hospital to completely remove it. This condition can recur, so after treatment, it is important to regulate diet and lifestyle. Avoid spicy, stimulating, greasy, or sweet foods. Try to avoid staying up late, anxiety, and stress. Do not use public baths or swimming pools. Regularly exercise, bathe more often, avoid keeping small pets, and ensure that clothing, bedsheets, and duvet covers are sun-dried and disinfected.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat sebaceous cysts?

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign proliferation related to vigorous sebaceous gland secretion and bacterial infection on the skin surface. These cysts feel relatively soft. The most common treatment is a minor surgery at a dermatology department of a reputable hospital to completely remove the cyst. Generally, oral and topical medications are ineffective against sebaceous cysts. If left untreated, the cyst may continue to grow, causing pain and even rupture. Therefore, once detected, it is crucial to seek timely treatment. After treatment, it is important to adopt healthy dietary and lifestyle habits, avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, and avoid soaking in public baths or swimming, and try not to keep pets at home.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are a type of benign hyperplasia, relating to either the vigorous secretion by one's sebaceous glands or the presence of a localized abscess. The most conventional treatment is to visit the dermatology or general surgery department of a formal hospital to perform a minor surgery, where the cyst sac and tofu-dregs-like material are completely removed for a cure. The underlying causes of this condition are numerous, generally associated with personal diet and lifestyle habits. After recovery, it is crucial to regulate one's diet and lifestyle, persistently avoid spicy and irritating food, prevent staying up late and experiencing anxiety, enhance physical exercise, sweat more, bathe more frequently, which all help in preventing a recurrence. Regularly exposing one's clothing, bed sheets, and quilt covers to sunlight, and avoiding public baths and swimming, also contribute to prevention.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Is an infected sebaceous cyst serious?

Sebaceous cysts are benign proliferations resulting from excessive secretion by one's own sebaceous glands. These cysts accumulate under the skin and contain a bag filled with tofu-dregs-like substances. They may gradually grow and cause pain, though they do not lead to severe infections, so sebaceous cysts are not a symptom of serious infection. After identifying this condition, it is necessary to visit the dermatology department of a formal hospital, where a minor surgery can completely remove the cyst and the tofu-dregs-like substance to effectively cure the disease. After treatment, it is crucial to maintain a regulated diet and lifestyle, avoid spicy and stimulating food, refrain from staying up late, reduce sebaceous gland secretion, increase exercise, bathe frequently, and sweat more, all of which help prevent recurrence.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Do sebaceous cysts hurt?

Typically, sebaceous cysts are painless and do not cause itching sensations. However, if a sebaceous cyst grows or enlarges, it can become painful, especially when compressed, rubbed, or during sleep. If this occurs, it is advisable to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital for a minor surgery to completely remove the cystic sac and its cheesy content. After recovery, maintaining good dietary and lifestyle habits is crucial. Avoid spicy and irritating foods, refrain from staying up late, avoid alcohol and sweet foods, exercise regularly, bathe frequently, and if possible, avoid keeping small animals at home. Additionally, ensure that clothes, bed sheets, and quilt covers are often sun-dried and disinfected.