Sebaceous Carcinoma vs Epidermoid Cyst

How to tell the difference — key features compared side by side.

Feature
Sebaceous Carcinoma
Epidermoid Cyst
Category
Malignant
Benign
Key feature
Arises from oil glands, most often on the eyelid. Frequently misdiagnosed as a chalazion or stye.
Slow-growing, round, skin-colored lump filled with keratin. Benign but can become painfully infected.
Risk factors
Age over 60; Previous radiation therapy to the head or face; Muir-Torre syndrome (Lynch syndrome variant)
Young to middle-aged adults (most common age group); Male sex (slightly more common); Acne history
Action needed
A painless, firm, yellow or pink bump on the eyelid that does not resolve
A cyst that becomes red, painful, swollen, or warm (infection)

Sebaceous Carcinoma

Sebaceous carcinoma originates in the sebaceous (oil) glands of the skin. It most commonly develops on the eyelid (about 75% of cases), where it arises from the Meibomian glands or glands of Zeis. It can also appear on the face, scalp, trunk, or genitals.

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Epidermoid Cyst

Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cyst. They are slow-growing, round, firm, mobile nodules located in the dermis or subcutaneous tissue, filled with keratin (not sebum, despite the common misnomer "sebaceous cyst").

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Does yours look more like sebaceous carcinoma?

Quick self-check

Does this look like sebaceous carcinoma? Answer 2 questions.

Is the bump on or near your eyelid?

Has it been treated as a stye or chalazion but keeps coming back?

Still not sure?

Our full ABCDE checker evaluates 5 clinical criteria dermatologists use.

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