Sebaceous Cyst Misdiagnosis: Infection and Other Injury Potential

A sebaceous cyst is a sac just beneath the epidural layer that generally arises from a swollen hair follicle. However, a cyst may also arise from skin trauma which can cause a protein called keratin to be secreted. These cysts may be found on the face, neck or trunk of the body. The sac is often pus-filled and is usually not painful. However, if it becomes infected, a cyst may become inflamed and tender to the touch. The surrounding skin may also become red and warmer than usual. If left untreated, it may erupt secreting a cheesy looking, foul-smelling pus.

Proper Diagnosis Procedure

The primary symptom of a sebaceous cyst is the initial painless nodule in the skin. This usually appears as a pale lump. A sight diagnosis can be made simply by the appearance of the nodule. However, in some cases, the treating doctor may order a biopsy to rule out other conditions such as skin cancer. The doctor will also ask about other symptoms, again to rule out other conditions.

Although a cyst may disappear by itself, if left untreated for a while an infection may occur. If an infection arises, the doctor may have to treat the cyst with medications, local heat applications or surgical incision. If the cyst becomes large and extremely painful, so that it interferes with the patient's everyday activities, the doctor may decide to surgically remove it. This procedure may be performed in the doctor's office with local anesthesia. However, surgery does not prevent the return of the cyst.

Misdiagnosis of a Sebaceous Cyst

Because a sebaceous cyst initially may be asymptomatic, with little pain or discomfort, it may be easy for a doctor to misdiagnose and thereby delay treatment. Sebaceous cysts are sometimes mistaken for other conditions such as basal skin carcinoma, seborrheic keratosi, actinic keratosis or boils. If a doctor proceeds based on a faulty diagnosis, unnecessary treatments and medications may be prescribed.

In a worst case scenario, a doctor may mistake something more serious as a sebaceous cyst, delaying necessary treatment of the condition. For example, a nodule may indicate skin cancer, but a doctor under a mistaken sight diagnosis may forgo the necessary biopsy to determine if it is indeed cancer. In this case, the cancer is left untreated and may advance to a stage where more aggressive treatment has to be used to save the patient's life.

Patient Damages and Legal Liability

Even though a sebaceous cyst is generally a minor condition, negligent treatment may lead to further serious complications. For example, if the doctor performs in-office surgery and the patient subsequently suffers injury from the anesthesia, the patient has a cause of action for medical malpractice. Additionally, if the doctor misdiagnoses the cyst as another condition and the ensuing unnecessary treatments injure the patient, he or she may bring a suit for malpractice. Conversely, if the doctor mistakes a more serious condition for a mere cyst that delays or prevents the necessary treatment, this is also a case of medical malpractice. If the patient dies as a result, the surviving family members may have a cause of action for wrongful death.

In any case of medical malpractice where the patient suffers substantial injury, he or she may pursue civil remedies to recover damages from the negligent doctor. Under the theory of vicarious liability, the employing hospital may also be sued to recover damages. These damages generally include actual losses such as medical expenses and lost wages, and injuries less quantifiable such as pain and suffering.

Getting Legal Help

Talk with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to determine if you have a cause of action in a case of a misdiagnosed sebaceous cyst.