Introduction:
A cyst is a cavity filled with air or fluid (a thick white substance called keratin). They appear similar to pimples, and most often, these cysts are small, do not cause any pain, are non-cancerous, and do not require any treatment. However, if the cyst cause pain and does not go away, medical assistance is required. These cysts can appear anywhere on the skin, but the most commonly affected areas are the face, neck, scalp, and trunk.
Earlobe cysts are the type of epidermoid cysts that appear below the skin surface and do not cause any pain.
What Are Earlobe Cysts?
Earlobe cysts are also known as epidermoid cysts or epidermal inclusion cysts. These type of cysts grows slowly and are most commonly seen after puberty and in adulthood during the age of 30 to 40. These asymptomatic cysts do not cause pain, but the doctors only recommend removal if they cause any pain, discomfort, or infection.
The epidermoid cysts develop when the skin cells multiply or grow instead of shedding and get embedded in the deeper layers of skin, such as the epidermis. This leads to the formation of walls of the cyst within the top layers of the skin. However, the cysts can also form from a hair follicle if there is an injury on the outer skin.
What Are the Risk Factors for Epidermoid Cysts?
Epidermoid cysts are most commonly seen in males as compared to females. However, anyone can develop this cyst without any gender or age preference. Although some of the following risk factors can lead to the development of epidermoid cysts which includes -
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Age - These cysts are mainly seen after puberty or in adulthood. This is rarely seen in babies and children.
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Acne - Patients with an acne history are more prone to developing cysts.
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Genetics - Some of the rare syndromes and genetic conditions, such as Gardner syndrome, cause tumors in and around the colon.
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Injury - Skin injury can lead to burying skin cells deeper into the skin, leading to the formation of cysts.
What Are the Causes of the Earlobe Cyst?
The outer surface of the skin, known as the epidermis, is made up of a thin and protective layer of cells that gets shed in a continuous pattern. However, in epidermoid cysts, these cells move deeper into the skin and multiply rather than shed off. Sometimes the cysts develop due to irritation or injury to the skin or the hair follicle.
The cyst contains a fluid called keratin, a thick yellow color that sometimes drains from the cyst. The cells present in the walls of the cyst secrete this protein. Therefore the abnormal multiplication or growth of cells leads to the development of cysts.
In some cases, the earlobe cyst can also occur due to some of the following reasons such as -
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Gorlin syndrome (basal cell nevus syndrome - affects various body parts).
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Damage from the sun.
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Human papillomavirus (HPV - a viral infection that gets transferred from person to person by skin contact).
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Due to some medications, such as BRAF inhibitors, Imiquimod, and Cyclosporine.
What Are the Clinical Features of Earlobe Cysts?
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Earlobe cysts or epidermoid cysts look like pimples or small bumps under the skin. They may vary in color from natural skin color to bright red.
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The size of the cyst is usually as same as that of a pea. However, the patient should notice any change in the size of the cyst and should seek medical advice.
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These cysts are usually asymptomatic and benign (non-cancerous) in nature. Drainage of the thick white fluid (keratin) can be noticed on the rupture of the cyst.
Sometimes the cyst may get infected and will require medical attention. The signs of the infection may include -
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Redness and inflammation of the affected area.
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Boil-like infection.
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Swelling and tenderness or pain.
When to See a Doctor?
Most epidermoid cysts do not cause any problems and rarely require any treatment. However, in some of the following scenarios patient should seek medical advice -
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If the size of the cyst changes and starts growing rapidly.
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Becomes painful or ruptures.
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Become infected.
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Causes irritation or discomfort.
How Is the Earlobe Cyst Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of an earlobe cyst or epidermoid cyst is usually made by clinical examination. In some cases, the dermatologist may scrape off skin cells and examine them under the microscope to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy can also be done by taking a skin sample that will be analyzed in the laboratory.
What Is the Treatment for Earlobe Cysts?
In most cases, the epidermoid or earlobe cyst does not require any treatment, and it should be left alone if it does not cause discomfort or cosmetic problems. However, in cases where it starts growing in size or becomes infected, treatment might be needed. Therefore, surgical removal is one of the best methods to get rid of this cyst. Some of the methods include the following -
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Incision and Drainage - In this method, the doctor will make a small cut in the cyst and squeeze out the contents of the cyst. This is done under local anesthesia so the patient will not feel pain. After that, it is necessary to remove the cyst lining so it will not recur. Stitches might be needed depending on size.
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Minor Surgery - In this procedure, the entire cyst is removed, and stitches are placed. This is a much safer and more effective treatment than others and prevents recurring cysts.
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Injection - In this, the medicine is injected into the cyst to reduce the swelling and inflammation of the cyst, which can be removed later on.
What Precautions Should Be Taken in Case of an Earlobe Cyst?
Individuals with an earlobe cyst should follow these steps, which include -
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Do not try to squeeze the cyst.
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Try to keep the affected area clean to prevent any infection.
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In case of infection, without any delay, seek medical advice.
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Warm compresses should be used to ease drainage from cysts.
What Are the Complications Associated With Earlobe Cysts?
The complications associated with earlobe cysts include -
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Inflammation - The cyst may get tender and inflamed in some cases without any infection, which is difficult to remove via surgery. Therefore, the inflammation must first be treated to carry on further treatment.
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Infection - Cysts can get infected and cause pain.
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Rupture - The ruptured cyst may lead to a boil-like infection which needs immediate treatment.
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Skin Cancer - In rare cases, an earlobe cyst can lead to skin cancer.
Conclusion:
Earlobe cysts are benign and do not require any treatment. It sometimes goes away on its own and is most commonly seen in middle-aged people. However, if a person notices a new growth on their body and its size changes or causes pain, they should seek medical advice.
