Cysts vs Lipomas: Learn the Key Differences Between These Benign Skin Growths

Deciphering Skin Lumps: The Key Differences Between Cysts and Lipomas

Discovering a new lump or bump on your body can be alarming. Two of the most common skin growths are cysts and lipomas, both noncancerous bumps that sit underneath the skin. While cysts and lipomas have some overlap, there are important distinctions between these skin conditions.

Read on to learn how to tell cysts and lipomas apart, uncover their unique causes, and explore diagnosis and treatment options. By understanding the differences, youll be better equipped to monitor skin growths and determine when medical attention is required.

What is a Cyst?

A cyst is a closed pocket or sac under the skin containing fluid, air, or other substances. Cysts form when skin tissue folds in on itself or a gland or hair follicle gets blocked.

The most common locations for cysts include the face, trunk area, neck, shoulders, and extremities. They range in size from microscopic to several inches across. Cysts are noncancerous and generally harmless, but can become tender, swollen, or infected.

There are various categories of cysts:

• Epidermoid cysts - Develop when skin tissue folds over itself and sebum and keratin fill the cavity.
• Pilar cysts - Occur when the hair follicle shaft becomes blocked with keratin.
• Sebaceous cysts - Caused by blocked sebaceous glands producing excess sebum.
• Ganglion cysts - Gelatinous sacs containing synovial fluid that form near joints and tendons.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor comprised of fat tissue. They form from overgrowth of fat cells that clump together in a capsule right underneath the skin. Lipomas grow gradually and rarely reach a size larger than 2 inches.

Lipomas feel soft, smooth, and doughy. They are usually movable, rolling along easily with gentle finger pressure. While they can develop anywhere fat is stored, common locations include the shoulders, neck, arms, and back.

Doctors aren't sure what triggers lipoma formation, but contributing factors may include:

• Genetics and familial history
• Injury or trauma to soft fatty tissues
• Dysfunctions in fat metabolism

Most people with lipomas have only one or two. But some inherited conditions can cause multiple lipomas called lipomatosis.

Key Differences Between Cysts and Lipomas

While cysts and lipomas share some similarities, there are important distinctions between these skin lumps. Learning to tell them apart can help guide treatment.

Contents

The primary contents of a cyst and lipoma differ significantly:

• Cysts - Contain liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material such as sebum, keratin, blood, or air.
• Lipomas - Comprised of fat cells clumped together in a fibrous capsule.

Location

While cysts and lipomas can both occur throughout the body, certain locations are more common:

• Cysts - Face, neck, trunk, and extremities.
• Lipomas - Shoulders, back, neck, arms, and thighs.

Shape

Cysts and lipomas tend to have distinct shapes:

• Cysts - Can be round or oval, but often irregularly shaped.
• Lipomas - Symmetrical oval or round shape with well-defined edges.

Growth Pattern

Lipomas and cysts typically exhibit different growth patterns:

• Cysts - Can grow rapidly over days or weeks.
• Lipomas - Grow slowly over months and years.

Texture

The texture and feel of cysts and lipomas also differs:

• Cysts - Can feel soft, firm, or fluid-filled depending on type.
• Lipomas - Smooth, soft, and doughy with a rubbery consistency.

Mobility

Lipomas move more freely under the skin than cysts:

• Cysts - Tend to be fixed in place and immovable.
• Lipomas - Move easily when gently manipulated.

Diagnosing Cysts vs. Lipomas

While you may be able to spot key differences between a cyst and lipoma through visual inspections and feeling the lump, a doctor can definitively diagnose the growth.

Some common diagnostic tests used include:

• Imaging - Ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs create detailed images that distinguish cysts from lipomas.
• Fine needle aspiration - Inserting a needle into the lump and withdrawing fluid or cells for laboratory analysis.
• Biopsy - Taking a small sample of the growth for microscopic examination by a pathologist.

These tests allow the doctor to confirm whether a lump is a fluid-filled cyst or fatty lipoma. They can also rule out cancer or other abnormalities requiring further treatment.

When to See a Doctor

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• A new lump or bump on your body
• An existing growth that changes size, shape, or texture
• Any lump that causes pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• Skin redness, inflammation, or warmth around the area
• Drainage, oozing, or bleeding from the lump
• Numbness or tingling around the lump

While most cysts and lipomas are harmless, it's important a doctor evaluate any new or unusual skin growths. Catching problems early is key.

Treating Cysts and Lipomas

Treatment for cysts and lipomas depends on the type, location, size, and your symptoms. Your doctor will discuss options. Here are some common approaches:

Cyst Treatment

• Observation - Tracking harmless cysts that cause no problems.
• Draining - Draining fluid from a cyst with a needle.
• Injections - Steroid injections to shrink cysts.
• Surgery - Full surgical removal, especially for large or painful cysts.

Lipoma Treatment

• Observation - Leaving asymptomatic lipomas alone and monitoring growth.
• Liposuction - Inserting a suction tube to remove lipoma fat.
• Excision - Surgical removal for large, bothersome lipomas.
• Steroid Injections - Shrinking small lipomas with corticosteroid shots.

Discuss all treatment options thoroughly with your physician to determine the best course. Weigh the benefits and potential risks.

Preventing Cysts and Lipomas

While most cysts and lipomas arise spontaneously, you may be able to lower your risk:

• Avoid injury and trauma, especially to fatty tissues
• Improve diet and exercise to maintain healthy body fat levels
• Prevent blocked glands and hair follicles through skin exfoliation
• Care for wounds properly to prevent tissue folding that leads to cysts
• Modify activities that cause friction and irritation to skin

Check your skin monthly for any new growths. Catching cysts and lipomas early allows for quick treatment. Seek care if you have any concerns.

The Takeaway

Cysts and lipomas have several key differences. While cysts contain fluid and develop rapidly, lipomas are made of fat and grow slowly. Location, shape, texture, and mobility can also help distinguish the two.

A doctor can definitively diagnose any new skin lumps through imaging, aspiration, or biopsy. Most cysts and lipomas dont require treatment beyond observation. But surgical removal may become necessary.

Being familiar with the differences between cysts vs. lipomas allows you to monitor changes and discuss them with your doctor. Prompt evaluation ensures any lump is benign and caught before problems arise.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.