Elevated plasma lipid levels in patients with epidermoid cysts

Abstract

Objective: Epidermoid cysts are the most common type of skin cysts. We aimed to investigate whether there are any plasma lipid level differences in patients with epidermoid cysts. Material and Methods: Three-hundred forty-two patients (147 females and 195 males) were included. Patients' data (including plasma lipid levels) were retrospectively evaluated, and the results were compared with the average plasma lipid levels of the Turkish population. Results: A significant increase was found in plasma low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol and triglyceride levels (p< 0.05) in patients with epidermoid cysts. Conclusion: Because the presence of elevated LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels may be accepted as a significant risk factor for coronary heart disease, we claim that the risk of coronary heart disease is increased in patients with epidermoid cysts. Further, high plasma lipid levels may be a result of sebaceous cysts or may be an effective mechanism of sebaceous cyst formation. Larger series of patients should be analyzed to evaluate this relation.