Cysts on the Head

A cyst is an abnormal development of cells that get filled with fluid. Though considered to be anatomically normal the growth of such small sacks on different parts of the body is quite abnormal, painful, and often a cause of concern. Cysts on the head are usually hard and benign that are present on the scalp, back of the head, or on top.

They could be both painful, as well as asymptomatic, whilst being benign or non-carcinogenic. Most of the time though, cysts on the head do not get converted into tumors or cancers of any sort. Then what can be the possible causes of cysts on the head? Let's try to evaluate that.

Causes of Cysts on the Head

Cysts present on the head are said to be mostly congenital which develop below the skin of the head, scalp, neck, and the skin behind the ears. Mostly caused due to a blocked sebaceous gland, they are benign however, the collection of the sebum that results in their growth could render it prone to infection that needs urgent surgical removal besides letting off a foul smell. The other two reasons why they need to be removed surgically, is the threat of cancer, and to better the person's appearance. The most common type of a cyst on the head is a lipoma which is also known as a lump of fat. It is actually heavy, due to the heavy secretion of mass that is normally painless. Besides that, here are the possible causes of cysts on the head and surrounding areas.

Dermoid Cysts
Dermoid cysts are tumors that contain the mature skin and covering of hair follicles and/or sweat glands. They can also be called pilar cysts, which can be found under the skin containing skin breakdown products like keratin, which is present in hair, nails, teeth, and bones. Dermoid cysts are benign and may also be congenital. Very rarely do they get converted into malignant tumors in adults and cause squamous cell carcinoma and endodermal sinus tumors in children.

Epidermoid Cysts
Also called sebaceous cysts, these are almost always benign sorts of cysts that are present on the surface of the skin. Epidermoid cysts develop out of ectodermal tissues and are made of squamous epithelium. These cysts appear as a result of faulty implantation of the epidermis into the dermis, due to surgery or any kind of trauma. Such cysts on the head can also be seen in medical conditions like Gardener's syndrome and could also be infected by bacteria and/or acne.

Preauricular Sinus
Preauricular sinus is also called a skin tag, which is actually a small tubular structure located at the meeting point of the upper part of the ear and the head. Due to some infection or trauma, the sinus may get infected and develop pus, though it may also be the result of any kind of regular sinus infection. These are visible cysts found on the head that people can have removed to improve their appearance.

Neck Lumps
These too may be identified as cysts on the head. Though referred to 'neck lumps', these cysts can appear anywhere from the top of the head to the bottom of the neck as well as on the collarbones as well. There are several conditions such as enlarged lymph nodes, thyroglossal duct cysts, and branchial cleft cysts that may be categorized under neck lumps. They are also caused by embryologic errors, or bacterial infections that can lead to such cysts on the head or at the back of the head.

Cystic Acne
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne that can develop on the scalp as well as all over the body. These cysts on the head are caused by the blockage of oil ducts and infection of the same. They can be hereditary, or caused by various infectious skin diseases as well. General medicine as well as proper natural treatment for cystic acne can get rid of such kinds of cysts on the head and scalp.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Cysts on the Head

On finding any abnormal development on the head and under the skin of the head, it is very important to visit a health care provider and evaluate the exact reason behind cysts found on a person's head. There are several diagnostic measures and tests that the health care provider might perform to evaluate the origin of the cysts and also to determine the course of treatment for the same. Several tests like a CT scan, MRI scan, and other examinations are performed, after which the exact course of treatment is determined. Treatment for cysts on the head can vary from antibiotics, surgical removal, marsupialization, and dissolution of the cysts, to you personally squeezing it out if it just contains blocked sebum, though the latter is not advised.

Most of the time, a person can lead a happy and healthy life with cysts on the head, as stated repeatedly, cysts on the head are normally benign. However, it is important to evaluate the reasons behind them, due to the fact that precaution is the best way of staying healthy!