Pilonidal Cyst or Sinus: What’s the Difference and Why the Terminology Matters

If you've been diagnosed with a pilonidal problem, you've probably spent time searching the internet for information about your condition. As you do, you're likely to come across two different terms. Some resources say "pilonidal cysts." Others refer to this problem as "pilonidal sinuses."

Are these two different names for the same condition, or is there a difference between them? Let's take a look at current research to determine whether your condition should be called a pilonidal cyst or sinus.

What Is a Cyst? What Is a Sinus?

Before diving into the pilonidal side of things, it's first important to understand what cysts and sinuses are in general. As you're probably aware, these terms aren't only used for conditions in your buttocks region. Cysts and sinuses can occur throughout your body.

Cysts

Enclosed sacs that form in the body are cysts. These formations are surrounded with epithelial cells. They are often filled with gas, blood or another fluid. If a cyst becomes infected, it can fill with pus.

You can develop a cyst near your skin or on your organs. You can even get cysts in your bones. Learn more about cysts in the video "Why Do Cysts Form?"

Sinuses

You are probably most familiar with sinuses in relation to your nose. However, those are just one type of sinus in the body. In general, this is a term that refers to a tunnel or opening in the body.

A sinus tract is a tunnel that connects the skin to a cavity in the body. This is not a natural channel in the skin; rather, it forms in relation to a wound, infection or other condition.

Which Is the Better Term: Pilonidal Cyst or Sinus?

Pilonidal disease typically involves an abscess and a tract near the cleft of the buttocks. When it comes to pilonidal disease, is the condition a cyst or a sinus? "Pilonidal cyst" is the term that is used most commonly used. However, that doesn't mean that it's the best name for the condition.

To be a cyst, epithelial cells must fully enclose the sac. Although there may be some epithelial cells involved in pilonidal disease, there are not fully epithelial sacs. Therefore, despite common usage, this problem cannot rightly be called a cyst.

What is your pilonidal problem, then? It's a sinus. Pilonidal disease doesn't fit the definition of a cyst, but it does meet the qualifications for a sinus. It begins at the skin and leads into the tissue.

The pilonidal sinus may terminate at a cavity that is wider than the rest of the tract and can be filled with debris or hair. This is the part of the pilonidal structure that is usually described as the cyst, even though it doesn't officially meet the qualifications to be a cyst. Rather, once the cavity becomes infected, it is rightly known as an abscess.

Why Does It Matter?

Now that you know more about the difference between cysts and sinuses, you may wonder how this knowledge relates to treatment for the condition. The answer may be different for you as a patient than it is for doctors and medical professionals.

Patients

For the average patient, the terminology may not make a large difference. Of course, it may be of interest to note that this condition was first described by Herbert Mayo in 1833. He explained it as a cyst that was full of hair and debris. It is also interesting to learn that R.M. Hodges chose the name "pilonidal sinus" for this condition in 1880.

However, as a patient, whether you read an article that says "pilonidal cyst" or "pilonidal sinus," you can generally rest assured that you are generally reading about the same condition. Many top hospitals choose to use the popular term "cyst" even if it may not be entirely accurate.

Medical Professionals

Those for whom exact terminology may be more critical are those in the medical field. Having a right understanding of pilonidal disease may help determine the best course of treatment. Over the years, doctors have attempted to heal this condition with a wide variety of treatments, some more effective than others.

Minor pilonidal infections can often be treated through a simple procedure of draining the abscess. However, serious or chronic cases usually require more intense treatment. This treatment cannot simply address the abscess cavity at the end of the sinus tract. For complete healing, it must target the tract itself.

Some surgical procedures cut out the pilonidal sinus tract. Others procedures, such as laser coagulation treatment, are used to close off the tract. See an example of this as a doctor collapses a sinus tract in the video "Pilonidal Sinus Laser Treatment with the neoV."

Things to Remember

You may not be a doctor, but having correct information about pilonidal sinuses may help you better understand the treatment that you will be receiving.