- Еуромедик, Булевар уметности 29, Београд
Atheroma in the breast
Прим др Милош Почековац
What is atheroma?
Atheroma is a benign tumor of the subcutaneous tissue. It is sometimes called an epidermoid cyst. It represents an increased accumulation of sebum and skin cells. Atheroma are mostly found on the head, face, neck, but also on other parts of the body.
Cause of formation?
The cause is most often a blockage of sebaceous gland secretion, but it can also be the result of an injury or infection of the skin.
A sebaceous cyst is a type of epidermoid cyst that forms as a collection of keratin material. Sebum, which normally has a role in protecting the skin, is secreted by sebaceous glands in the subcutaneous tissue. There is an accumulation of lipids, cholesterol crystals and skin cells and the formation of a nodule lined with squamous epithelium. It can also occur due to genetic predisposition.
Clinically, an epidermoid cyst is a hard nodule in the skin. However, in the breast, the lesion often grows deep within the subcutaneous tissue of the breast and is located between the fatty tissue and the mammary gland. Because of this, clinical diagnosis is difficult. On ultrasonography, it is seen as a solid, limited and complex mass.
Atheroma becomes painful when it becomes inflamed, that is, when bacteria penetrate into it (for example, when the patient tries to squeeze out the node). Dermatologists advise not to touch or press the knot, in order to avoid infection. If they are over 5 cm in diameter, they are called giant epidermoid cysts, which rarely occur in the breast.
Atheroma can be completely removed (excised) through a small incision in the skin under local anesthesia.
Treatment
Treatment of an uncomplicated epidermoid cyst involves complete excision together with the capsule.
Malignant transformation of the epidermoid cyst wall occurs very rarely (0.045%). Therefore, for a definitive histopathological diagnosis, excision of all epidermoid cysts in the breast is usually recommended and thus excludes the possibility of a malignant lesion with seemingly benign features, i.e. prevents potential complications such as infection and malignant transformation.
Condition after incision and evacuation of pus and atheroma