Lipoma vs Cyst: How to Tell the Difference

Definition

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat cells. It forms beneath the skin and usually feels soft, movable, and painless.

Lipomas can appear anywhere fat cells are present. They most often form on the neck, shoulders, back, or arms.

There are several types of lipomas, each with distinct features:

• Angiolipoma: Contains blood vessels and may be painful.
• Spindle cell lipoma: More common in older men and found on the back or neck.
• Pleomorphic lipoma: Contains cells of various shapes and sizes.
• Fibrolipoma: Includes fibrous tissue mixed with fat.
• Hibernoma: A rare type from brown fat, often in the back or thighs.

What Is a Cyst?

A cyst is a closed sac filled with fluid, air, or semi-solid material. It can develop on the skin or inside the body.

Cysts vary in size and often grow slowly. Most are non-cancerous and harmless unless infected or irritated.

There are many types of cysts, depending on where they form in the body. Below are some of the most common:

• Epidermoid and sebaceous cysts: Usually found under the skin on the face, neck, or back.
• Ovarian cysts: Develop in the ovaries, often related to hormonal changes. They are usually harmless but can become dangerous if they grow large in size, rupture, or twist.
• Ganglion cysts: Form near joints, especially the wrists and ankles. Some sources suggest a possible link between vitamin deficiency and ganglion cyst formation or recurrence.
• Kidney cysts: Can be simple or linked to conditions like polycystic kidney disease.
• Baker’s cyst: Appears behind the knee and may cause swelling or tightness.
• Bartholin’s cysts: Found near the vaginal opening and can become infected.
• Breast cysts: Fluid-filled sacs that may vary with the menstrual cycle.
• Eruption cysts: Occur in children when a tooth is erupting. These appear as soft, bluish swellings on the gums and usually resolve on their own.

Causes and Risk Factors

What Causes a Lipoma and Who Is at Risk?

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, but genetics may play a role.

Around 2–3% of people with multiple lipomas inherit them through familial patterns.

Other potential triggers include a family history of lipomatosis, certain genetic mutations like the HMGA2 gene fusion, obesity or metabolic conditions, and possibly physical trauma, which may stimulate fat cell growth through inflammation.

What Causes a Cyst and Who Is at Risk?

Cysts can form for many reasons. They may develop due to blockages, infections, or genetic conditions.

Risk factors for cysts include:

• Acne or inflamed hair follicles
• Blocked ducts in skin or glands
• Underlying diseases like polycystic kidney or ovarian syndrome
• Tumors or genetic syndromes

Causes and Risk Factors Comparison

Both lipomas and cysts may appear without a clear cause.

However, lipomas are more often tied to genetics, while cysts are commonly linked to blockages or infections.

Lipomas are made of fat cells, while cysts usually contain fluid or keratin.

Symptoms

What Are the Symptoms of a Lipoma?

Lipomas are usually:

• Soft and doughy to the touch
• Painless, unless pressing on a nerve
• Slow-growing
• Easily moved under the skin

They often go unnoticed unless they grow large or are in a visible area.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cyst?

Cyst symptoms vary based on location and type.
Common signs include:

• A firm or tender bump under the skin
• Swelling or redness if infected
• Discomfort if pressing on nearby structures
• Drainage if the cyst bursts

Many cysts don’t cause symptoms until they grow or rupture.

Symptoms Comparison

Lipomas tend to be soft and mobile, while cysts are often firmer and more fixed.

Cysts are more likely to become inflamed or painful, especially if they become infected.

Lipomas grow slowly and typically remain painless.

Diagnosis

How Is a Lipoma Diagnosed?

Most lipomas are diagnosed through a physical exam.
Doctors may consider imaging if:

• The lipoma is deep or unusually large
• It grows rapidly
• There’s pain or restricted movement

MRI or ultrasound can confirm a fat-based mass. A biopsy may be done to rule out liposarcoma.

How Is a Cyst Diagnosed?

Cysts are also diagnosed by physical exam.
Doctors may ask about:

• Growth rate
• Tenderness
• Any drainage or previous infections

Imaging such as ultrasound or CT may be needed for internal cysts. Biopsies can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out cancer.

Diagnosis Comparison

Both conditions are usually diagnosed clinically, but imaging is used more often for cysts inside the body.

Lipomas are more likely to be biopsied if there’s concern about malignancy, while cysts may be drained or aspirated during diagnosis.

Treatment

How Is a Lipoma Treated?

Lipomas don’t usually require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

Treatment options include:

• Surgical excision (most common)
• Liposuction (for large, soft lipomas)
• Observation (if asymptomatic and small)

Complete removal of the capsule helps prevent recurrence.

How Is a Cyst Treated?

Cyst treatment depends on its type, location, and symptoms.

Options may include:

• Observation if small and painless
• Warm compresses to reduce inflammation
• Needle aspiration for drainage
• Surgical removal if recurrent or infected

Avoid squeezing cysts at home to prevent infection.

Treatment Comparison

Both lipomas and cysts can be removed surgically.

Lipomas require full excision for best results.

Cysts may return if only drained. Infected cysts may need antibiotics, which isn’t the case for lipomas.

Complications

What Are the Possible Complications of a Lipoma?

Lipomas are usually harmless. However, rare complications include:

• Compression of nerves causing pain
• Functional issues if large or deep
• Rare transformation into liposarcoma (malignant)

Subcutaneous lipomas rarely recur if removed fully.

What Are the Possible Complications of a Cyst?

Cysts can lead to complications if infected or ruptured:

• Abscess formation
• Pain or swelling
• Skin scarring
• Recurrent infections

Surgical removal reduces the risk of return or complications.

Complications Comparison

Cysts have a higher risk of infection than lipomas.

Lipomas rarely cause severe issues unless they grow large or are located near vital structures.

Cysts, especially if untreated, can become painful or infected.

Prevention

Can You Prevent a Lipoma?

There’s no proven way to prevent lipomas.
However, you can:

• Monitor skin for new growths
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get a family history check if you have multiple lesions

Early evaluation helps rule out other causes.

Can You Prevent a Cyst?

Most cysts cannot be fully prevented.

Still, you can:

• Avoid popping pimples or ingrown hairs
• Keep skin clean and moisturized
• Treat underlying conditions like acne
• Get regular checkups if prone to cysts

Good hygiene may reduce skin cyst risk.

Prevention Comparison

Lipoma prevention focuses on awareness and genetics, while cyst prevention is more related to skincare and avoiding irritation.

Neither can be completely prevented, but healthy habits can reduce risk.