Atheroma of the sebaceous gland

Atheroma is a cystic neoplasm that is a blockage, obturation of the sebaceous gland, or more precisely, its excretory duct. According to its etiology, atheroma of the sebaceous gland can be a true, congenital or secondary, retention cyst.

• A true atheroma is a malformation of intrauterine development, when epithelial, epidermal, lipid elements accumulate in the glands, filling the entire excretory duct. Such cysts are detected immediately after the birth of a baby, removed at the age of 5 years. Emergency removal of a congenital atheroma is indicated only in the case of its large size, when the cyst interferes with the normal development of the child. Inflamed, purulent cysts are also operated. Small atheromas that do not pose a danger are subject to dynamic observation. and subsequent excision.
• Secondary sebaceous gland atheroma is the most common neoplasm of this type. The cyst is formed due to many factors, but the leading ones are metabolic disorders and hormonal imbalance. The favorite place for atheroma localization is seborrheic zones (scalp, face, armpits, groin, back). Secondary atheromas can be single or multiple (atheromatosis). Diagnostics is carried out by examination and palpation, clarifying diagnostics is possible only by removing the cyst and taking tissue for histological examination.

Statistics regarding sebaceous gland atheroma:

• Prevalence: 7-10% of the total population.
• Congenital atheromas – no more than 5%.
• Gender of atheroma in the groin and armpit area – more often men, since atheroma is testosterone dependent.
• Atheroma of the chest, back, abdomen - more often in women.
• Age – 50-60% of patients are over 35-40 years old, about 25% of patients are in puberty.
• Atheroma on the head – 30% of cases.
• Atheromatosis (multiple atheromas) – 70% of cases.

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