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What is a Sebaceous Cyst?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

Updated December 23, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Question: What is a Sebaceous Cyst?
Answer: A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac occurring just under the skin which contains a "pasty" or "cheesy" looking substance. A foul odor is also often present in the substance called keratin which fills sebaceous cysts. Keratin is a protein that creates the sac of cells called sebaceous cysts. The bumps or lumps you can feel under your skin are actually the sac of cells.
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