Differential Diagnosis for Small Cysts on Skin
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Epidermoid Cysts: These are the most common type of skin cysts, often appearing as small, firm, and sometimes tender bumps under the skin. They are usually filled with a thick, cheesy material and can occur anywhere on the body.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Pilar Cysts: Also known as trichilemmal cysts, these are similar to epidermoid cysts but tend to occur on the scalp. They are benign and can be hereditary.
- Sebaceous Cysts: These cysts are filled with a thick, cheesy substance and are usually found on the face, neck, or trunk. They can become inflamed and infected.
- Milia: These are small, white bumps that usually appear on the nose and cheeks. They are caused by keratin that is trapped beneath the surface of the skin.
- Keratosis Pilaris: A condition characterized by small, rough bumps on the skin, often on the arms, thighs, cheeks, and buttocks, due to the accumulation of keratin.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: Although rare, basal cell carcinoma can sometimes present as a small, cyst-like lesion. It's crucial to differentiate it from benign cysts due to its potential for local destruction and rare metastasis.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Similar to basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma can present in various forms, including as a firm, cyst-like nodule, especially in sun-exposed areas.
Rare Diagnoses
- Steatocystoma Multiplex: A rare condition characterized by multiple small cysts filled with sebum, often appearing during puberty.
- Eccrine Spiradenoma: A rare, benign tumor of the sweat glands that can present as a small, painful nodule or cyst.
- Dermoid Cysts: Although more commonly associated with the scalp or face at birth, dermoid cysts can occasionally present as small cysts in other areas of the body, containing skin, hair, and sometimes teeth or other tissue.
- Cystic Hygroma: Typically presents in infancy as a soft, cystic mass in the neck, but can occasionally be found in adults as a small, cystic lesion.