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Multiple steatocystomas: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Multiple steatocystomas (synonyms: steatocystomatosis, sebocystomatosis, congenital sebaceous cysts).
Causes and pathogenesis of multiple steatocystomas. To date, the embryogenesis of sebocystomatosis has not been fully studied and remains a subject of controversy. A hundred years ago, many dermatologists regarded the lesions as fatty or retention cysts. Some authors believe that cysts are formed as a result of excessive keratinization, leading to retention of sebum secretion. Currently, immunogenetic studies have allowed us to reject the concept of "retention cysts". These formations are considered to be of a nevoid nature (genodermatosis) and are transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Cystic formations of nevus origin include milium, dermoid, epidermal and sebaceous cysts. In clinical and morphological terms, they are benign (dermoid) tumors. Familial cases in several generations have been described.
Symptoms of multiple steatocystomas. Steamocystomatosis often begins at an early age. Men and women are affected approximately equally. The disease is clinically manifested by the formation of multiple tumor elements (retention cysts) with a diameter of 0.5 to 2 cm. They rise above the skin level, have a semi-spherical shape, soft elastic consistency and a smooth surface. The skin color is usually unchanged or has a yellowish tint. The rash is often located on the face, scalp, shoulders, torso, chest, back, thighs, scrotum.
The tumors are fused with the upper layer of skin and are highly mobile together with it. When opened, they release a thick, yellowish, odorless, greasy mass, which is similar in chemical composition to blood lipids.
The disease is chronic; sometimes degeneration into basal cell epithelioma is observed.
Histopathology. The cyst consists of an inner epithelial layer and an outer connective tissue layer. The granular layer is absent. No follicle or sebaceous duct obstruction is observed in the sebaceous glands. The histological structure resembles an atheroma.
Differential diagnosis includes fatty dermoid cysts, acne vulgaris cysts and epidermal cysts.
Treatment of multiple steatocystomas. Surgical excision of large tumors is performed.
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