Pilonidal Cyst

1. Boils Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD

Steven Doerr, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Emergency Medicine Physician. Dr. Doerr received his undergraduate degree in Spanish from the University of Colorado at Boulder. He graduated with his Medical Degree from the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, Colorado in 1998 and completed his residency training in Emergency Medicine from Denver Health Medical Center in Denver, Colorado in 2002, where he also served as Chief Resident.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Pilonidal Cyst Overview
• Pilonidal Cyst Causes
• Pilonidal Cyst Symptoms and Signs
• Pilonidal Cyst Diagnosis
• Pilonidal Cyst Treatment
• Pilonidal Cyst Complications
• Pilonidal Cyst Prevention
• Pilonidal Cysts Prognosis
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Pictures of Boils - Slideshow
• Viewer Comments: Pilonidal Cyst - Symptoms
• Viewer Comments: Pilonidal Cyst - Treatments
• Viewer Comments: Pilonidal Cyst - Symptoms Experience

A pilonidal cyst is a cystic structure that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) near the cleft of the buttocks, approximately 4 cm-5 cm from the anus. These cysts usually contain hair and skin debris. Individuals with a pilonidal cyst may not have any symptoms at all (termed asymptomatic), whereas others may develop an infection of the cyst with associated pain and inflammation. The treatment and management of pilonidal cysts depends on many factors, including the extent and chronicity of the disease. Recurrence of pilonidal cysts is common and is estimated to occur in approximately 40%-50% of individuals.

Pilonidal cysts were first described in 1833 by Herbert Mayo. The term pilonidal is derived from the Latin words "pilus" (hair) and "nidus" (nest) and was coined in 1880 by R.M. Hodge. The incidence of pilonidal cysts has been estimated to be about 26 cases per 100,000 people. Pilonidal cysts occur more frequently in men than in women, and they are more common in Caucasians than in other racial groups. Pilonidal cysts usually occur between the ages of 15 to 24, and their development is uncommon after the age of 40.

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