Understanding Steatomas: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Steatomas are benign tumors that develop in the skin, particularly on the face, neck, and scalp. They are also known as sebaceous gland tumors or trichoblastomas. These tumors arise from the cells of the sebaceous glands, which produce an oily substance called sebum to help lubricate the skin and hair.

Steatomas are usually slow-growing and painless, but they can become inflamed or infected if they are irritated or traumatized. They can also be cosmetically disfiguring if they grow large or become inflamed. In rare cases, steatomas can become cancerous, so it is important to have them evaluated by a dermatologist if they change in size, shape, or color, or if they become inflamed or tender.

Steatomas are more common in middle-aged adults and are slightly more common in women than in men. They can occur anywhere on the body, but they are most commonly found on the face, neck, and scalp. Treatment for steatomas usually involves surgical removal of the tumor, and the prognosis is generally good if the tumor is removed completely.