What is a Steatoma?
A steatoma is a common and usually harmless skin growth that originates from the sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. A steatoma forms when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, leading to the accumulation of sebum and cellular debris within a sac-like structure beneath the skin’s surface.
This type of cyst is benign, meaning it is non-cancerous and does not pose a serious health risk. Steatomas can sometimes cause cosmetic concern or discomfort. They typically grow slowly and may remain small for many years, but some can enlarge significantly.
Appearance and Common Locations
Steatomas typically present as slow-growing, movable lumps located beneath the skin. Their size can vary, ranging from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The texture of a steatoma can be soft or firm, and it often feels rubbery to the touch.
The color of the overlying skin usually remains unchanged, appearing skin-toned, though some may have a slightly yellowish tint. These cysts are most frequently found in areas of the body rich in sebaceous glands, including the scalp, face, neck, and trunk, particularly the chest and back.
How Steatomas Form
The formation of a steatoma begins with a disruption in the normal functioning of a sebaceous gland. Each sebaceous gland has a duct that transports sebum to the skin’s surface or into a hair follicle. When this duct becomes obstructed, sebum and dead skin cells cannot exit and instead begin to collect within the gland.
This trapped material forms a walled sac, which gradually expands as more sebum accumulates. The blockage can result from various factors, including trauma to the skin, inflammation of the gland, or genetic predispositions that affect duct structure. Hormonal fluctuations can also influence sebum production, contributing to blockages.
When to Seek Professional Advice
It is important to avoid attempting to squeeze, puncture, or “pop” a suspected steatoma at home. Such actions can introduce bacteria, leading to infection, inflammation, or scarring. Self-manipulation also risks incomplete removal, which can cause the cyst to recur.
A healthcare professional should evaluate any new or changing skin lump to confirm its nature and rule out other conditions. Seek medical advice if a steatoma becomes painful, red, swollen, or warm to the touch, as these are signs of infection or inflammation. If the cyst rapidly increases in size, ruptures, or discharges pus, medical consultation is necessary for diagnosis and management.