pathogenesis
Last reviewed 01/2018
Epidermoid cysts are the result of growth of epidermal cells within the dermis. These cells lodge at this site as a consequence of three possible mechanisms:
- occlusion of pilosebaceous follicles; the most frequent cause
- penetrating injury resulting in implantation of epidermal cells into the dermis
- trapping of epidermal cells along embryonal fusion planes
Plantar epidermoid cysts have been linked to human papilloma virus infection.