Lipoma vs. Cyst: How to Tell the Difference & Treatment Options | Kosmoderma

Ever discovered a soft bump under your skin and wondered, “Is it serious? Should I be worried?” You’re not alone.

For many people, these mystery lumps turn out to be lipomas or cysts—both common, mostly benign, but often confusing. While they may look and feel similar, their causes, textures, and treatments are quite different.

This guide will help you understand:

• How to tell a lipoma from a cyst?
• When to see a specialist
• What treatment options are available
• Let’s help you feel confident about what’s under your skin—without the guesswork.

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows under the skin. It’s non-cancerous and typically slow-growing.

Common signs it’s a lipoma

• Feels soft and doughy to touch
• Moves slightly under pressure
• Painless (unless pressing on a nerve)
• Grows slowly over months or years
• Usually less than 2 inches in size
• They can form on your neck, shoulders, arms, back, thighs, or abdomen.

Why Do Lipomas Occur?

• Genetics (family history)
• Middle age (40–60 years)
• Minor injuries (though not conclusively proven)

What Is a Cyst?

A cyst is a sac-like bump filled with fluid, pus, or other material. There are many types—sebaceous, epidermoid, or pilar cysts being most common.

Common signs it’s a cyst

• Firm, round lump under the skin
• May have a central blackhead (opening)
• Can get inflamed or infected
• Can feel tender, red, or warm
• Grows relatively fast compared to lipomas
• Cysts can occur anywhere but are common on the face, scalp, chest, or upper back.

Lipoma vs. Cyst: A Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Lipoma	Cyst
Texture	Soft, squishy	Firm, sometimes tender
Mobility	Moves easily under skin	Usually fixed or slightly movable
Growth Speed	Very slow	Moderate to fast
Pain	Painless (unless deep)	May be painful, especially if infected
Contents	Fat cells	Pus, fluid, or keratin
Infection Risk	Rare	Common when ruptured
Treatment Need	Optional unless uncomfortable	Often requires drainage or excision

When Should You See a Specialist?

You should book a consultation if:

• The lump grows rapidly
• It becomes painful or inflamed
• You notice drainage or foul smell
• It affects movement or appearance
• You simply want it removed for peace of mind

Treatment Options for Lipoma and Cysts

Lipoma Removal

• Surgical Excision: A small incision is made, and the lipoma is removed completely.
• Procedure time: 20–45 minutes
• Downtime: Minimal (back to work same day)
• Scarring: Small linear scar, fades over time
• Liposuction: Sometimes used for larger, softer lipomas (less common in clinical practice).

Lipomas don’t come back if fully excised—but if only partially removed, they can regrow.

Cyst Treatment

• Incision & Drainage (I&D): Temporary relief for inflamed cysts but does not remove the sac.
• Excision: Best for long-term removal. The cyst sac is removed to prevent recurrence.
• Antibiotics: If infected, antibiotics may be prescribed before or after treatment.
• Important: Draining a cyst at home can lead to infection or scarring. Always seek professional care.

Real-World Scenario

A patient once walked in with what she thought was a stubborn pimple that kept coming back. Turns out, it was a recurrent sebaceous cyst. After a quick outpatient excision, she was bump-free—and finally at ease.

Book a FREE consultation at Kosmoderma Skin, Hair, Body Care Clinics