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Atheroma of the sebaceous gland

Alexey Portnov, medical expert
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024

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Atheroma is a cystic neoplasm, which is a clogging, seizure of the sebaceous gland, more precisely, of its excretory canal. According to the etiology, the sebaceous atheroma can be a true, congenital or secondary, retention cyst.

True atheroma is a vice of intrauterine development, when epithelial, epidermal, lipid elements accumulate in the glands, filling the entire outflowing duct. Such cysts are detected immediately after the birth of the baby, they are removed at the age of 5 years. Emergency removal of congenital atheroma is indicated only in case of its large size, when the cyst interferes with the normal development of the child. Also, the inflamed, purulent cysts operate. Atheroma of small size, which do not pose a danger, are subject to dynamic observation. And subsequent excision.
Secondary atheroma of the sebaceous gland is the most common neoplasm of this type. The cyst is formed due to many factors, but the leading one is a metabolic disorder and a hormonal imbalance. A favorite place of atheroma localization is seborrheic zones (the scalp, face, axillary region, groin, back). Secondary atheromas can be single or multiple (atheromatosis). Diagnosis is carried out with the help of examination and palpation, specifying the diagnosis is possible only with the removal of the cyst and the fence of the tissue for histological examination.

Statistics on atheroma of the sebaceous gland:

Prevalence is 7-10% of the total population.
Congenital atheromas - not more than 5%.
The sex affiliation of the atheroma in the groin and armpit is more often men, since atheroma has testosterone dependence.
Atheroma of the chest, back, abdomen - more often women.
Age - 50-60% of patients older than 35-40 years, about 25% of patients - pubertal period.
Atheroma on the head - 30% of cases.
Atheromatosis (multiple atheromas) - 70% of cases.

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