Other Names:
Sebaceous cysts, Steatomas

Symptoms:
These are slow-growing benign cystic cutaneous tumor-like formations. They contain sebaceous material and are often found on the scalp (wen), ears, back, or scrotum. Ranging in size from a pea to a golf ball, a wen is painless and feels soft but firm.

Treatment:
• A "stab" incision is made at the lowest edge of the cyst. The contents are then sucked out, and the insides are flushed with hydrogen peroxide. If the cyst is large, the wall will have to be removed so it does not refill. Then place a daily changed sterile gauze over, and within, it to keep it draining for a week to 10 days.

• To keep them from growing or returning, avoid fats, especially saturated fats, and all fried foods, cheese, chocolate, butter, margarine, and dairy products. Do not use alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine products.