Sebaceous cysts are harmless, slow-growing bumps under the skin, often appearing on the scalp, face, ears, back, or groin area. The cysts usually contain dead skin and other skin particles but not sebum. Therefore, sebaceous cysts are referred to more correctly as epidermoid cysts.

Epidermoid cysts are benign and do not have to be treated. If a patient elects to have a cyst removed, the entire cyst wall and its contents must be removed. If not, recurrence of the cyst is certain. If a cyst becomes infected, treatment may include administering antibiotics and then surgically removing the cyst.