Pilonidal CystMedical Author:
Steven Doerr, MD
Steven Doerr, MDSteven 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. Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa 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.
Pilonidal Cyst OverviewA pilonidal cyst is a cyst that develops along the tailbone (coccyx) near the cleft of the buttocks, approximately 5 cm from the anus. These cysts usually contain hair and skin debris. 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. 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. 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. Viewer Comments & ReviewsPilonidal Cyst - Symptoms ExperienceThe eMedicineHealth physician editors ask:What symptoms did you experience with your pilonidal cyst? Pilonidal Cyst - SymptomsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:What were the symptoms of your pilonidal cyst? Pilonidal Cyst - TreatmentsThe eMedicineHealth physician editors asked:What treatment was effective for your pilonidal cyst? |
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Pilonidal Cyst
Cyst Overview
A cyst is an abnormal, sac-like structure that can be found anywhere in the body. Cysts usually contain a gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance and have an outer wall, known as the capsule. Cysts may be small and visible only under a microscope, or they may grow to a very large size and displace normal body structures.
Cysts occur commonly in numerous tissues and organs and are often named according to their particular anatomic location (for example ovarian cysts, bladder cysts, breast cysts, liver cysts, kidney cysts, pancreatic cysts, vaginal cysts, skin cysts, thyroid cysts). Certain types of cysts also have special designations and nomenclature. Examples of these include:
- Ganglion cyst: a cyst around a tendon, most commonly occurring at the wrist
- Baker's cyst: a cyst containing joint fluid that is located in popliteal space behind the knee
- Bartholin's cyst: cy...
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Pilonidal Disease »
Pilonidal disease was first reported in 1833. Sacrococcygeal pilonidal sinus is a common disorder among young adults.
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