Cystsandlipomasare two types of lumps that can be found under the skin.
Lipomas are growths of fatty tissue usually found between the muscle and skin.Like cysts, lipomas are also benign.
Cysts and lipomas can look and feel very similar but are very different types of growths.
taniche / Getty Images
It can be difficult to tell them apart.
This article will highlight the differences between cysts and lipomas.
They are generally small and painless.
But these two types of lumps are very different.
Here are the most common cyst symptoms:
Cysts can beasymptomatic(cause no symptoms).
This is especially true if they are found inside the body, near organs.
When cysts cause symptoms, the symptoms will be reflective of the cyst’s location.
For example, a cyst found in the wrist can cause decreased grip strength.
However, when they grow inside the body, lipomas can cause symptoms that arespecific to their location.
Causes
Cysts and lipomas have different causes.
There are several types of cysts.
Each bang out has its own cause.
There are studies that show a genetic factor in their development.
Another theory is that an injury can cause a lipoma to form.
They will examine its shape, size, and determine if there are any signs of infection or swelling.
That typically is enough for a healthcare provider to determine if the bump is a cyst or lipoma.
However, a healthcare provider may order additional testing.
This can include:
Treatment
Treatment isn’t necessary for most lipomas and cysts.
If a healthcare provider determines that the cyst is not causing problems, then no treatment is necessary.
Fluid removal uses a needle towithdraw fluidfrom the cyst.
This decreases the likelihood the cyst will grow back.
Lipoma Treatment
Most times, a lipoma does not need treatment.
It tends to be more of a cosmetic concern than a health concern.
In this procedure, a small incision is made to allow the full removal of the fatty tumor.
Summary
Cysts and lipomas are two common lumps that people may find on their bodies.
While they may look similar at first, these lumps have many differences.
A cyst is a sac filled will fluid, pus, air, or other substances.
A lipoma is a lump of fatty tissue and is sometimes called a fatty tumor.
A healthcare provider can usually diagnose these lumps based on their appearance.
Occasionally, additional testing is necessary.
Treatment isn’t necessary unless the lump is causing other health problems.
A Word From Verywell
Finding a lump under your skin can be unnerving.
Contact your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
Many people who have a cyst or lipoma do not need treatment.
A lipoma is a collection of fat cells normally found under the skin and is considered a noncancerous tumor.
Harvard Health.Cysts (overview).
Kolb L, Yarrarapu SNS, Ameer MA, Rosario-Collazo JA.Lipoma.
Charifa A, Azmat CE, Badri T.Lipoma pathology.
