What is a key characteristic of steatoma?

A steatoma, often referred to as a sebaceous cyst, is characterized by its origin from sebaceous glands, which are responsible for producing sebum, an oily substance that lubricates the skin and hair. This type of cyst is a benign tumor, meaning it is non-cancerous and typically does not pose a significant health risk. Steatomas form when the sebaceous gland becomes blocked, causing sebum to accumulate, resulting in a lump under the skin.

In contrast to other options, it is not a type of skin infection, as it does not involve pathogens causing inflammation or infection. It does not consist of multiple hair follicles; rather, it develops from a singular sebaceous gland. Additionally, while it may affect the skin, it does not directly impact the epidermis in the way that certain skin diseases might. Thus, identifying steatoma primarily as a benign tumor of sebaceous glands encapsulates its key characteristic accurately.