An unusual pattern of testosterone metabolism in tissue associated with a keratin-filled cutaneous cyst

Testosterone metabolism was studied in tissues associated with a keratin-filled cutaneous cyst. Instead of the 5alpha-reduced metabolites usually associated with skin steroid metabolism, considerable amounts of 5beta-reduced steroids were found. These included 5beta-androstane-3,17-dione, 17beta-hydroxy-5beta-androstan-3-one, and 5beta-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol. This change in metabolic pattern is discussed.