HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF CUTANEOUS CYSTIC LESIONS CLINICALLY LABELLED AS SEBACEOUS CYSTS

A cyst is a lesion composed of cavity containing solid or semisolid material and lined by normal epithelium. The term Sebaceous Cyst is a clinical entity and misnomer used to encompass all cutaneous cystic lesions encountered in common clinical and surgical practice. It occurs spontaneously or as a result of traumatic epithelial implantation leading to psychological and cosmetic concerns.  Aims & Objectives: To evaluate and correlate histopathologically cutaneous cystic lesions labeled as sebaceous cysts alongwith their categorization as benign and malignant lesions and their association with age, gender and anatomical distribution. Methodology: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted at Rahbar Medical and Dental College Lahore, over duration of six months (October 2024 till March 2025). Adult patients of both genders presenting to the outpatient department with clinical diagnosis of “Sebaceous cysts” on different anatomical sites of body were included and their histopathological diagnosis was analyzed. Results & Findings: A total of 50 patients were included, comprising 27 males (54%) & 23 females (46%), with an age range 01 to 64 years (mean age: 32 +/- 01 year). Most of the clinically labeled sebaceous cystic lesions included were benign cutaneous cystic lesions and majority of them were diagnosed histopathologically as Epidermal inclusion cysts. The anatomical sites most commonly involved were chest, back and around eye. Conclusion: Histopathology is an important diagnostic tool and acts as a gold standard in diagnosing benign cutaneous cystic lesions. It helps to alleviate misleading clinical diagnosis and rule out malignant lesions as well. It also helps to differentiate between different common benign cystic lesions like epidermoid, dermoid, trichelemmal (pilar) and other cystic lesions. It aids in exact diagnosis and treatment guidelines.