Going to a Cleveland Clinic location? A cyst is a slow-growing, protein-filled, dome-like, yellow or white lump that can move easily under the skin. There are many types of cysts — hundreds, actually. Unlike epidermoid cysts, which originate from the skin, and unlike pilar cysts, which come from hair follicles, true sebaceous cysts are rare and originate from your sebaceous glands. Sebaceous cysts can be found on your entire body except the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet.

Sebaceous cysts are common noncancerous cysts of the skin. Cysts are abnormalities in the body that may contain liquid or semiliquid material. Sebaceous cysts are mostly found on the face, neck, or torso. Doctors usually diagnose a cyst with only a physical examination and a medical history. Sebaceous cysts form out of your sebaceous gland.

Jump to content. Home treatment for a lump, such as an epidermal skin cyst, may relieve symptoms but may not make the cyst go away. An epidermal cyst is a small, round lump in the top layer of skin called the epidermis. It may be filled with a soft, yellow substance called keratin. Epidermal cysts most often appear on the face, ears, back, or chest.

A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membranous tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts can grow almost anywhere in your body or under your skin. Read more about epidermoid cysts.