Health Encyclopedia

Sebaceous adenoma

Definition

A sebaceous adenoma is a noncancerous tumor of an oil-producing gland.

Alternative Names

Sebaceous hyperplasia; Hyperplasia - sebaceous; Adenoma - sebaceous

Information

A sebaceous adenoma looks like a small bump. There is usually one one, and it is usually found on the face, scalp, belly, back, or chest. A sebaceous adenoma may be a sign of more serious internal disease.

Several small bumps of the sebaceous gland are called sebaceous hyperplasia. Such bumps are usually are harmless and often found on the face. They are more common with age. They may be treated if you do not like how they look.

References

Habif TP. Cutaneous manifestations of internal disease. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 26.

Habif TP. Benign skin tumors. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 20.

Duvic M. Urticaria, drug hypersensitivity rashes, nodules and tumors, and atrophic diseases. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 466.

Neff AG, Carter KD. Benign eyelid lesions. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al, eds. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 92.

Review Date:12/13/2008
Reviewed By:Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; and David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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