Atheroma is a sebaceous gland cyst that forms as a result of blockage of its duct.
Who can develop atheroma?
Atheroma is a common pathology that can occur in any person at any age. Most often, 1 or 2 atheromas are found, but some people may be prone to the formation of a dozen or more atheromas in different parts of the body. It can occur in both thin and overweight people.
Most often, an atheroma is a formation with a diameter of 1.5-2 cm, but in rare cases it can reach 10 or even 15 cm.
What are the symptoms of an atheroma?
Normally, atheromas are dense, painless formations that do not show any symptoms. In case of inflammation and suppuration, the atheroma becomes painful.
What tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis?
In addition to examination, an ultrasound scan may be needed.
Does an atheroma need treatment?
Since an atheroma can become inflamed, suppurate and increase in size, it is recommended to remove it immediately through a small incision, followed by suturing the wound with a cosmetic suture. In case of suppuration of the atheroma, it must be opened and treated until the wound is completely healed and the inflammation ends; then, after a month or more (i.e. in the cold period, when there is no inflammation), the lipoma is removed completely, together with the capsule.
Treatment
Atheroma is treated surgically, on an outpatient basis, under local anesthesia with the application of a cosmetic suture.