Discovering a lump under your skin can be concerning, but many are harmless. Lipomas and cysts are common, non-cancerous growths that appear similar but differ in origin and treatment. Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps, while cysts are fluid-filled sacs. Both can be safely removed by a specialist. Read on to understand their key differences.
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A cyst is a slow-growing semi-solid or liquid-filled lump found under the skin, anywhere on the body (mostly on the head or neck).
Cysts can be of several types. The most common types of cysts include:
Lipoma is a benign overgrowth of fat that grows between your skin and muscle. It is very soft and can move under the skin when pressed. While lipomas can appear anywhere on your body, they most commonly emerge on the forehead, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, arms, buttocks, and thighs. Lipomas are harmless and rarely get infected. However, if they grow and press on nerves, they can become painful and may need to be removed.
Lipomas can be of several types, including blood vessels or other tissues apart from fat. These types include:
A cyst and a lipoma can feel and look similar in the early stages.
Cysts are usually smaller and can appear on the head and neck, whereas lipomas can be larger and mostly appear on the forehead, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, arms, buttocks, and thighs.
As cysts grow, they feel firm as an egg under the skin without excessive movement. On the other hand, lipomas are present deeper under the skin, feel soft, and can be slightly moved under the skin when touched.
Cysts and lipomas also differ in terms of their causes and symptoms. The following table compares the causes and symptoms of these two types of lumps.
Cysts can present with a range of symptoms depending on their type and location in the body. Some internal cysts, such as those found in the liver or kidneys, may not cause any noticeable symptoms unless they grow large. However, when symptoms do appear, they often include a firm bump under the skin, tenderness, redness, and localized swelling. If a cyst becomes infected, inflamed, or ruptures, it can lead to pain and possible discharge of fluid or pus. These symptoms are more commonly observed in skin-related cysts like sebaceous or epidermoid cysts.
Lipomas, in contrast, usually develop without any symptoms and are often discovered incidentally. The typical characteristics include a soft, round or oval-shaped lump that moves slightly when touched and is generally painless. Most lipomas are less than two inches in diameter, although some can grow much larger. In rare cases, a lipoma may become painful if it contains blood vessels or presses on surrounding nerves or tissues. Despite being benign, lipomas that change in size, become painful, or show unusual signs should be checked by a doctor.
Cysts can develop for several reasons, often depending on the type and location. Common causes include inherited conditions, infections, genetic factors, duct blockages, and chronic inflammation. Specific types of cysts have more defined triggers—for instance, sebaceous cysts result from blocked oil glands, ganglion cysts may form after minor joint injuries, and dermoid cysts arise from improper skin development during fetal growth. The risk factors for developing cysts include genetic disorders, infections, tumors, defects in developing organs, and blockages in the normal flow of fluids or oils. Although many cysts are harmless, complications can occur if they become infected or rupture. This can lead to pain, swelling, or in severe cases, conditions like peritonitis, which is inflammation of the lining inside the abdomen.
Lipomas, on the other hand, are benign fatty tumors with an unclear origin, although they are believed to be hereditary. Some rare medical conditions—such as Gardner syndrome, Dercum’s disease, and Madelung’s disease—can lead to the development of multiple lipomas. Risk factors include a family history of lipomas, being aged between 40 and 60, obesity, high cholesterol, liver disease, diabetes, and glucose intolerance. While lipomas are usually painless and don’t pose a health risk, complications can arise if they grow large enough to press on nearby nerves or organs. This can cause discomfort, swelling, and in some rare cases, blood clot formation or interference with normal bodily functions.
Several types of lumps form under the skin, most of which are benign, such as cysts and lipomas. A cyst is a fluid-filled lump that normally develops on the head and neck, whereas a lipoma is a fat-filled lump that normally develops on the forehead, neck, shoulders, back, chest, abdomen, arms, buttocks, and thighs.
Finding a lump under the skin can be alarming. While most cysts and lipomas do not require treatment, removing them is best if the lump affects your quality of life. You can contact a healthcare expert at HeptaCare Health for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Furthermore, we will help you connect with the right dermatologist or plastic surgeon to get your cysts and lipomas removed.
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