Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Exam Prep 2025 – Complete Practice Resource

A sebaceous cyst, also known as an epidermoid cyst, typically manifests as a fluid-filled cyst. This type of lesion arises from sebaceous glands and is characterized by the accumulation of sebum and keratin within a sac-like structure. The fluid content can vary, but it often appears as a soft, mobile lump beneath the skin.

The presence of a fluid-filled cyst aligns with the typical pathology of sebaceous cysts, where the characteristic features include a central opening (punctum) and a discrete, palpable mass. Such lesions often do not cause significant pain unless they become infected or inflamed, at which point they can present as more complicated forms like abscesses.

Other options describe lesions that do not accurately reflect the nature of a sebaceous cyst. A purulent abscess indicates infection and pus formation, not typical for an uncomplicated cyst. A wheal, which is an elevated, itchy area on the skin typically arising from an allergic reaction, does not correspond to a sebaceous cyst. Additionally, a concerning tumor would imply a more serious pathology that necessitates further investigation, which is not representative of a sebaceous cyst under normal circumstances. This understanding emphasizes the benign nature of the cyst and its distinctive presentation as a fluid-filled structure