Non-healing Sebaceous Cyst On The Temple Area. Lab Test Found Malignant Cells. Will It Spread If Removed?

Posted on Wed, 30 Mar 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 Answered on

Wed, 3 Oct 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been treated for a sebacaous cyst that wont heal now the lab has found malignant cells with aratio of 80/20 that it is cancer its on the side of my temple can you tell me will this spread if removed

Answered by Dr. Bharat Chawda (3 hours later)

Hi!XXXXXXX,

Usually a sebaceous cyst wont lead to cancer and also it doesn't heal on its own. A sebaceous cyst needs to be squeezed out and the cyst wall also has to be removed along with.

If at all it has come positive for cancer, then there is a rule which onco-surgeon follow while removing a malignant tissue. They remove it leaving a normal zone around it. This would not let it spread further. The best judge would be a onco -surgeon who would perform the surgery on you.

‘Hope I have answered your query, I will be available to answer your follow up queries’.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bharat Chawda (1 hour later)

the cyst was removed but would not heal even though they took out the sack, can it go elsewhere. or would the cancer be confined to the temple I have heard there are 3 types of skin cancer, and I am worried it will go somewhere else in my body

Answered by Dr. Bharat Chawda (17 hours later)

Hi! XXXXXXX,

A sebaceous cyst does not spread, as its not a infectious condition. But a malignant cell can spread though rare. Kindly find a doctor who can perform MOHS SURGERY for you if possible.This surgery insures complete removal of the malignant cell. Early removal will prevent it from spreading to other sites.

“ Wish you Good Health”

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar