A lump on your back, forehead, or scalp isn’t always cause for concern. In many cases, it could be a lipoma or a skin cyst. Both are typically benign growths, even if they’re uncomfortable and unsightly. While these growths may look similar, you should know about a few key differences. Your treatment and management may also vary depending on whether you have a lipoma vs. a cyst.
Keep reading to learn more about your treatment options and what to expect during and after treatment.
What Is the Difference Between a Cyst and a Lipoma?
First, you might wonder, “Is a lipoma a cyst?” They both form under the skin, but that’s where the resemblance ends.
- Lipoma: A lipoma is a collection of fatty tissue that usually grows between the skin and muscle. This lesion will feel slippery to the touch and move easily under the skin if prodded. You can learn more about how a lipoma is diagnosed in our related blog post.
- Cyst: A skin cyst is hard to the touch and occurs when your skin cells collect within the skin layers, trapping oil and other fluids in a sac. The most common types of cysts are sebaceous (originating in the oil glands) and pillar cysts (originating in the hair follicles).
Although lipomas and skin cysts can sometimes look like cancerous lesions, they rarely turn malignant. Your dermatologist may do a biopsy to determine whether your growth is benign or cancerous.
Do Lipomas and Skin Cysts Occur in the Same Areas?
Although you can get lipomas in any area of your body, they most commonly occur on the forehead, back, abdomen, torso, neck, and arms. Sebaceous cysts can occur on any part of the body with sebaceous glands, such as the face, neck, upper back, and chest. Pilar cysts typically form on the scalp.
Should You Remove a Lipoma or Cyst?
Depending on the size of the lipoma or cyst, you may experience discomfort. As these lesions grow, the skin stretching over the fatty tissue makes them tender and sensitive. If your lipoma or cyst makes you uncomfortable or rubs against your clothing, it may be time to remove it.
Options for Lipoma and Cyst Removal
Surgical excision is the best option for removing a lipoma or skin cyst. If you have an infected sebaceous cyst, you may first need antibiotic treatment or drainage before surgical removal.
Our plastic surgeons use direct surgical excision to remove the growth safely. You will be given a local anesthetic before the excision so you’ll be comfortable during the procedure. To remove the tissue, they create an incision in the skin based on the size of the lesion; they’ll make the smallest incision possible to minimize scarring.
Once your surgeon removes the lipoma or cyst, they stitch the skin closed, and you can return home. You can usually resume nonstrenuous work and light activities the next day, but full recovery may take several weeks.
Can Cysts or Lipomas Come Back?
It’s rare for a lipoma to return after surgical excision. However, cysts may return if an underlying condition or ongoing factors prompt new cysts to develop.
Cyst vs Lipoma: Get the Treatment You Need Today
Your lipoma or skin cyst can be easily removed, whether you’re concerned about it for cosmetic or functional reasons. If you want to learn more about lipoma or cyst removal, request a consultation or call us at (416) 663-9649 to schedule an appointment. We can usually remove your lipoma or cyst on the same day as your consultation.
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