Pilonidal cyst overview
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [2]
Overview
A pilonidal cyst (from Latin meaning 'hair nest') is a blanket term for any type of skin infection near the tailbone. It is a combination of two Latin words, pilus, meaning hair and nidal, meaning nest. The condition is now referred to as pilonidal sinus disease. The term "pilonidal cyst" can be misleading, as a majority of the time, this is actually an abscess.
Historical Perspective
It was discussed by Herbert Mayo in 1830.[1][2][3] R.M. Hodges was the first to use the phrase "pilonidal cyst" to describe the condition in 1880. [4][5]
Causes
It is usually considered to be an acquired condition, but some consider it to be congenital.[6].
A traumatic event is not believed to cause a pilonidal cyst, such an event that has been known to inflame an existing cyst.
Differentiating Pilonidal Cyst from other Diseases
A pilonidal cyst can resemble a dermoid cyst, a kind of teratoma (germ cell tumor). In particular, a pilonidal cyst in the gluteal cleft can resemble a sacrococcygeal teratoma. Correct diagnosis is important because all teratomas require surgical complete excision, if possible without any spillage, and consultation with an oncologist.
Epidemiology and Demographics
These are normally painful, occur somewhat more often in men than in women (though this is debatable), and normally happen in early adulthood (to the 30's). Although usually found near the tailbone, this painful condition can be found rarely in several other places, including the navel and armpit.
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Pilonidal cysts are often very painful, and typically occur between the ages of 15 and 35. Although usually found near the coccyx, the condition can also affect the navel, armpit or genital region,[7] though these locations are much rarer.
Some people with a pilonidal cyst will be asymptomatic.[8]
Physical Examination
A sinus tract, or small channel, may originate from the source of infection and open to the surface of the skin. Material from the cyst may drain through the pilonidal sinus. A pilonidal cyst is usually painful, but with draining, the patient might not feel pain.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Treatment for a pilonidal cyst usually begins when the patient goes to the doctor because of pain. It is treated as an infection, and a doctor might prescribe antibiotics as well as hot compresses and the application of depilatory creams to the lower back and gluteal cleft.
References
- ↑ "eMedicine -Pilonidal Cyst and Sinus : Article by Robert Ringelheim, MD". Retrieved 2007-11-18.
- ↑ "The use of Wound Vacuum-assisted Closure (V.A.C.) system in the treatment of Recurrent or Complex Pilonidal Cyst Disease: Experience in 4 Adolescent Patients". Retrieved 2007-11-18. line feed character in
|title=at position 122 (help) - ↑ Mayo H. Observations on injuries and diseases of the rectum. London: Burgess & Hill, 1833
- ↑ Hodges RM, Pilo-nidal sinus. Boston Med Surg J 1880; 103:485
- ↑ Elsner, Peter (2000). Handbook of Occupational Dermatology. Berlin: Springer. p. 821. ISBN 3-540-64046-0.
- ↑ da Silva JH (2000). "Pilonidal cyst: cause and treatment". Dis. Colon Rectum. 43 (8): 1146–56. PMID 10950015.
- ↑ Rao, Amrith; Sharma, Mohit; Thyveetil, Mabel; Karim, Omer (December 2006). "Penis: An Unusual Site for Pilonidal Sinus". International Urology and Nephrology. 38 (3–4): 607–608. doi:10.1007/s11255-005-4761-5.
|access-date=requires|url=(help) - ↑ Doerr, Steven. "Pilonidal Cyst". eMedicineHealth. p. 1. Retrieved February 8, 2013.