Submental Round Lump and Its Causes and Treatments

The submental area primarily encompasses the lower facial region on both sides, adjacent to the neck. Similar to other body parts, the submental area is susceptible to lesions. Some individuals may experience round, movable lumps beneath this area, which may remain asymptomatic. Identifying the underlying cause promptly and undergoing targeted treatment is crucial. Let's delve into the potential reasons for these movable round lumps.

What Could Be the Reason for a Movable Round Lump Under the Submental Area?

A common culprit is a sebaceous cyst, colloquially known as a "pimple cyst." These cysts arise from the obstruction of sebaceous glands, leading to sebum accumulation and cyst formation. They frequently manifest on the head, trunk, or genital region and can be manipulated due to their adherence to surrounding tissues. Sebaceous cysts primarily stem from blocked sebaceous ducts, causing the sebaceous sac epithelium to gradually expand and form retention cysts. This is a prevalent benign skin tumor, particularly among young individuals during their peak growth and development. Sebaceous cysts commonly occur on the scalp and face, followed by the trunk, and vary in size due to their varying depths and contents. They are often misdiagnosed as lipomas, fibromas, etc. While they grow slowly, patients may still perceive a gradual increase in size. The primary cause of sebaceous cysts is the obstruction of sebaceous ducts, resulting in sebum accumulation and excretion difficulties. This obstruction is often triggered by dust and bacterial infections.

What Are the Symptoms of Sebaceous Cysts?

Sebaceous cysts protrude from the skin surface, commonly appearing in sebaceous gland-rich areas like the scalp, face, chest, and back. They typically grow slowly and remain asymptomatic when uninfected. These lumps are spherical, either solitary or multiple, ranging in size from a few millimeters to nearly 10 centimeters. They possess medium hardness, are elastic, raised above the skin surface, adhere to the skin, and are not easily movable. The surface is smooth and firm, without fluctuation. The cyst's center features a tiny, pinhead-sized opening that appears dark blue-black, resembling a comedone. Upon pressure, it may discharge a substance resembling tofu or mud, composed of sebum and broken sebaceous cells, often accompanied by a foul odor. Sebaceous cysts rarely become cancerous but are prone to secondary infections. Infection may cause redness, swelling, heat, and pain, indicative of an inflammatory response. Under external pressure, the cyst can rupture and temporarily disappear, but it will leave a scar and is prone to recurrence.

How to Treat Sebaceous Cysts?

The most common radical treatment method is surgical excision under local anesthesia. Sebaceous cysts are small, superficial masses that can be easily removed through a simple outpatient surgical procedure. It is essential to remove the cyst as thoroughly as possible, leaving no residual cyst wall to prevent recurrence. Given their frequent occurrence on the face, surgical excision should consider cosmetic implications. Small incision techniques can be employed for facial and neck sebaceous cyst removal, with skin sutured under tension to minimize scarring and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing outcome. Antibiotics may be prescribed before surgery if infection is present and after surgery to control inflammation. Infected sebaceous cysts should be surgically removed once the infection is controlled. For uncontrollable local infections or those that have progressed to abscess formation, incision and drainage may be necessary. CO2 laser and electroionization minimally invasive methods are considered effective options for treating uncomplicated cysts. These methods are straightforward, involve small incisions, minimal bleeding, no suturing requirements, minimal scarring, and low recurrence rates, making them particularly suitable for facial sebaceous cyst treatment.