What is a sebaceous cyst characterized by?

A sebaceous cyst is characterized by the presence of cheese-like material, often referred to as 'sebaceous content' or 'keratin'. This type of cyst forms when the sebaceous gland, which is responsible for producing an oily substance that lubricates the skin, becomes blocked. When the gland is obstructed, the secretions accumulate, forming a sac that can be filled with this thick, yellowish material that resembles cheese.

This characteristic distinguishes sebaceous cysts from other types of cysts that may contain clear fluid or other substances. The cheese-like consistency is due to the buildup of keratin and sebum, which are components of normal skin oil and cellular debris. Understanding this distinctly helps in recognizing and diagnosing sebaceous cysts in clinical settings.

Other options related to fluid-filled sacs, inflamed blood vessels, or abdominal pain do not accurately describe the nature of sebaceous cysts. While they might appear in contexts of other medical conditions or types of cysts, they are not defining features of sebaceous cysts.