A sebaceous cyst on the scrotum is typically filled with which substance?

A sebaceous cyst on the scrotum is typically filled with which substance?

• A. Sebum
• B. Pus
• C. Keratin
• D. Blood

Answer: (A)

Sebaceous cysts form when the duct of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, allowing the gland’s oily secretions to collect inside a closed sac. That oily, lipid-rich material is sebum, which is why these cysts are typically filled with sebum. If it were pus, the lesion would be an infected abscess; if it contained keratin, it would be an epidermoid cyst rather than a true sebaceous cyst; and if it were filled with blood, it would suggest a hematoma. So the scrotal sebaceous cyst is usually filled with sebum.

Sebaceous cysts form when the duct of a sebaceous gland becomes blocked, allowing the gland’s oily secretions to collect inside a closed sac. That oily, lipid-rich material is sebum, which is why these cysts are typically filled with sebum. If it were pus, the lesion would be an infected abscess; if it contained keratin, it would be an epidermoid cyst rather than a true sebaceous cyst; and if it were filled with blood, it would suggest a hematoma. So the scrotal sebaceous cyst is usually filled with sebum.