When a sebaceous cyst forms, different symptoms can show up, in terms of the appearance and nature of the cyst. Please consider that this is not intended to be professional medical advice, and a diagnosis should not come off of symptoms such as these. Information on how some doctors may diagnose it is located on the home page.

Location

A sebaceous cyst can form in almost any location on the body. Places like the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet do not get them. Some of the more common areas that they can form in are listed below:

Face
Ears
Upper arm
Chest (in males)
Trunk
Back

As mentioned, it is possible to have them form in numerous locations aside from these. Having something grow in a different area does not automatically rule out the possibility that it is a sebaceous cyst.

Appearance

Some of the possible characteristics of a sebaceous cyst are mentioned below. Consider that one may not necessarily be the same as another in appearance or traits, and they need not always have every such characteristic.

Normally painless
Round shape
Smooth to the touch
Size may vary
Slow-growing
Move freely below the skin
Filled with: fluid and fibrous tissue, fatty material, or serosanguineous fluid


Infection

If infected, some of the following symptoms may also be noted:

Tenderness
Redness
Temperature increase on the skin above the sebaceous cyst
Drainage - grey / white, foul smell, cheesy