central punctum - HEALTHY
MAKING THE DIAGNOSIS Each nodule on the patient’s scalp was approximately 1 cm in diameter with a central punctum. The lesions were of indeterminate etiology, but given the patient’s travel history, ... Foul-smelling cheesy debris can be expressed from the central punctum.
Context Explanation
Epidermoid cysts are most common on the central trunk (eg, chest and shoulders) and face but can occur almost anywhere on the body. Epidermoid cysts are slow-growing, painless masses that elevate the skin and often have a central punctum that represents the plugged orifice of the pilosebaceous follicle. A central punctum is often seen when the cyst connects to the surface of the skin. Although they can occur anywhere on the body, they are usually found on the face, head, neck, back, and scrotum.
Image Collection
Insight Material
Epidermal inclusion cyst: note central punctum (Courtesy of Joseph Sobanko, MD) Low-power view of an epidermal cyst showing a cystic invagination of epithelium that connects with the overlying epidermis. Most Common Skin Cyst Presentation Dermal Nodule Skin Colored May Have a Central Punctum Occur Anywhere Over the Body Can Rupture (Cause Inflammation & Pain) Can Become Infected (Fluctuant, Erythematous, Painful & Purulent) Diagnosis Mostly Clinical (Based on History and Physical Exam) Sebaceous hyperplasia results from enlarged sebaceous glands. These lesions often appear as dome-shaped, asymptomatic, yellow papules with central umbilication, primarily on the forehead and... There may be a small dark pore-like “punctum” that indicates the opening of the cyst. Inside the cyst may be a yellowish, unpleasant-smelling material similar to soft cheese.