sebaceous cyst

[carlap]

I had a lump on my vulva.  It was kind of red and was just there, it started to get bigger and was a little painful and started to ooze white.  Went to the doctor who said he thought it was a sebaceous cyst.  He drained it and sent a specimen to the lab and I went on antibiotics for 10 days.  However, the lab report said there was no bacterial growth.  Why would there be no growth if it was infected.
The lump is still there..it is smaller and not oozing and not really sore, although my groin is tingly on occasion.  Could a doctor tell the difference on looking between a sebaceous cycst and a skin cancer?

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

You're welcome.

Just continue with your antibiotics.The swelling will subside in time.Maintain good hygiene and follow up with your physician.

Keep us posted for anything.

[carlap]

Thanks Vanessa.  That explains it.  Do you know if sebaceous cysts are usually removed through surgery.  This one is not gone, there is still something there, but it isn't as big since it's been drained.  I guess I should just go back to my doctor.  He just seems so busy, it's hard to think I'm not wasting his time worrying about it.

Thanks again.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi,

A cyst may not necessarily be due to an infection. You have mentioned that the discharge was white and not geenish or yellowish.If an infection was present a greenish discharge or even a foul smell may be noted but this seems not to be your case.Your physician just wanted to confirm the presence of infection and thus requested for a culture of the specimen. The results apparently were negative for bacterial growth.Antibiotic therapy is still given to prevent further infection from complicating the incision or drainage site.

As for skin cancer, a skin biopsy is the gold standard for its diagnosis and may have a more sinister appearance ( not much delineated or fluid filled like a cyst) .Discuss your concerns with your physicians who may be able to help you.