Sebaceous Cysts [posted 8/7/98]
Question: I have been taking 1 mg estrace daily since June 1997. I am experiencing small, sometimes tender bumps on the upper labia. These lumps/bumps periodically appear in my arm pits also. My doctor recommended I change deodorants and stop shaving for one month. I did so, but lumps still come and go. My biggest concern are those on vaginal labia. Should dosage or medicine be changed? I also had a complete hysterectomy in June 1997. A mammogram in October 1997 was normal.

Answer: The first question is whether these are sebaceous cysts or from the Bartholin Glands. If from the Bartholin Glands, surgical drainage may be necessary. However, since you are having these in your axillae as well as in the peri-vaginal area, I suspect they are sebaceous glands whose output is increased by estrogen in some women. These may become tender and drain, but are not cancerous or any permanent risk.

Stopping the Spread
Question: What can I do to get rid of sebaceous cysts or stop them from spreading. They get inflamed/infected and create an abscess.

Answer: In order to eliminate sebaceous cysts, they must be surgically removed. They do not spread ;but, may become infected.
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