Oregon Esthetician State Board

A sebaceous cyst filled with sebum, which can range in size from a pea to an orange, is called what?

1. Comedo

2. Milia

3. Steatoma

4. Excoriation

The correct answer is: Steatoma

The term "steatoma" specifically refers to a sebaceous cyst that is filled with sebum, the oily substance produced by sebaceous glands in the skin. These cysts can vary significantly in size, from small like a pea to larger ones that can be the size of an orange, depending on the amount of sebum accumulated within them. Steatomas are often found on the scalp, neck, or trunk, and their presence can be attributed to blockages in the sebaceous glands or ducts. In contrast, a comedo refers to a clogged hair follicle (pore), which can manifest as either a blackhead or a whitehead, but does not describe a cyst. Milia are small, pearly white cysts that typically form around the eyes, cheeks, and on the nose and are usually quite small and filled with keratin, not sebum. Excoriation refers to the act of scratching the skin, often leading to the disruption of the skin barrier, and is not applicable in the context of a cyst. Therefore, the correct identification of a sebaceous cyst filled with sebum aligns solely with the term "steatoma."