A “wen” commonly refers to a benign lump or cyst that forms just beneath the skin’s surface. This general, non-medical term is often used to describe various types of skin growths. While not a precise medical diagnosis, it typically indicates a non-cancerous, often harmless, subcutaneous mass.
Understanding What a Wen Is
Medically, the term “wen” most frequently describes two specific types of benign skin cysts: epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts.
Epidermoid cysts originate from trapped surface skin cells that multiply and form a cyst wall, secreting keratin, a protein found in skin and hair. These are the most common type of skin cyst and often appear on areas with more hair, such as the face, neck, trunk, upper back, or groin.
Pilar cysts, also known as trichilemmal cysts, typically arise from the outer root sheath of hair follicles. They are especially common on the scalp, although they can also be found on the face, neck, arms, and legs. Less commonly, the term “wen” might also refer to a lipoma, which is a benign growth of fatty tissue.
How Wens Form and Appear
Epidermoid cysts usually form when epidermal cells, which normally shed from the skin’s surface, move deeper into the skin instead. This can occur due to skin irritation, injury, or a blocked hair follicle. The trapped cells continue to multiply, forming a sac filled with keratin, a thick, cheesy substance.
Pilar cysts develop when keratin and old skin cells accumulate within a hair follicle, leading to a buildup under the skin. Lipomas are collections of mature fat cells that grow abnormally just beneath the skin.
These growths typically present as smooth, skin-colored lumps that are often movable under the skin. Epidermoid cysts can range from half an inch to several inches across and may have a small dark pore in the center.
Pilar cysts are often 0.5 to 5 centimeters, though they can grow larger, sometimes even to the size of a baseball. Lipomas are generally soft and rubbery, usually less than 5 centimeters in diameter, but some can reach over 15 centimeters.
When to Consult a Doctor
While most wens are benign, seek medical evaluation for any new or changing skin lump to confirm its nature. Consult a doctor if a lump grows rapidly, becomes painful, or shows signs of inflammation like redness or warmth. Other concerning symptoms include pus discharge, fever, or rupture. Additionally, if the lump feels firm, irregular, or fixed to underlying tissues, a medical assessment is important to rule out other conditions.
Although wens are typically non-cancerous, a healthcare provider can diagnose the lump through a physical examination. Imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans may be performed, especially for larger or unusually located lumps. A biopsy, where a tissue sample is removed for laboratory examination, can provide a definitive diagnosis and rule out any malignancy. This process helps alleviate anxieties and ensures appropriate management.
Managing and Treating Wens
Many wens, particularly small, asymptomatic ones not causing any discomfort, do not require active treatment. Avoid squeezing or attempting to drain a wen at home, as this can lead to infection, inflammation, or rupture. Applying a warm compress can sometimes help reduce swelling in inflamed cysts, but it will not remove the cyst itself.
For bothersome, infected, cosmetically undesirable, or painful wens, several medical treatment options are available. Surgical excision is a common and effective method, involving complete removal of the lump to prevent recurrence. For infected or ruptured cysts, drainage removes accumulated fluid and reduces symptoms.
Steroid injections can sometimes shrink a lipoma, though they do not completely remove it. Liposuction is another option for lipomas, using a needle and syringe to remove the fatty tissue, particularly for larger ones. Treatment decisions should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.