Finding a bump under your skin can often be a cause for concern, but skin lumps can often turn out to be harmless. Most people will assume any type of growth or bump is cancer, but other lumps like cysts or lipomas are common, harmless skin conditions that adults may experience. Developing a lump of any kind should push you to make an appointment with your dermatologist, but there are a variety of reasons your skin could have developed this new growth. This blog will break down the differences between cysts and lipomas, what causes them, and how to best handle them once you are diagnosed.
Symptoms Of A Cyst
One of the most common ways to determine the difference between a cyst and lipoma is the symptoms, shape, and size. Where your cyst is located can also change the size and symptoms you may experience. Common symptoms of a cyst include the following:
- Firm lump
- Swelling around the cyst
- Tender to touch
- Redness
- Pain if it ruptures
Cysts are located just beneath the skin and are filled with fluid, pus, or other material. There are also many different types of cysts, which are based on where they are located, such as ovarian cysts, pilar cysts, and sebaceous cysts.
Symptoms Of A Lipoma
Also referred to as a fatty tumor, a lipoma is a collection of fat cells that form under the skin. It often comes with the following symptoms:
- Soft and doughy lump
- Moves easily when pressed
- Painless (unless it presses on nerves or contains blood vessels)
- Usually smaller than a cyst
Lipomas are asymptomatic, but depending on where they grow, they could cause other health concerns. For example, a lipoma growing in the airway may cause difficulty breathing, or one growing near large organs could cause pain or irregular function. This is why getting a diagnosis to potentially treat a lipoma that is causing health concerns.
What Causes A Cyst
The most common reason a cyst will develop is because of a blocked gland or clogged pores. When fluid, bacteria, or a hair becomes trapped under the skin, it creates this enclosed capsule we view as a cyst.
Another reason a cyst may develop is because of an infection. Inflammation and infection can block a gland, which leads to a fluid-filled sack. If a cyst develops inside the body and gets infected, it is known as an abscess. If an abscess ruptures, you could experience a blood infection when the bacteria are released.
Other causes of cysts include skin trauma, where surface cells get pushed deeper and under other skin; genetics that increase your risk of developing internal conditions (ovarian or kidney cysts); as well as hormonal fluctuations that cause excess oil production.
What Causes Lipomas
Lipomas can often be caused by genetics, running in adult family members for generations. The exact cause of these fatty lumps is still unknown, but skin trauma and genetic predisposition are the most common reasons adults notice a lump under the skin. Other diseases like Dercum’s disease or Gardner syndrome can lead to lipoma growth, some that are large enough and painful enough to warrant removal.
Diagnosing These Skin Conditions
A dermatologist will look at the size, placement, and other characteristics of the lump to diagnose your skin condition. Having any new lump or growth checked out quickly is a good idea, just to rule out any cancer diagnosis. If your cyst or lipoma is growing rapidly, doctors may want to have it drained or removed to alleviate your pain. Most cysts and lipomas are benign, but having it looked at by a professional will rule out any infection or potentially cancerous cells that could cause additional concerns.
Cyst And Lipoma Treatment From Dermatology West
If you are genetically prone to lipomas or have developed cysts, we know how uncomfortable and embarrassing they can be. At Dermatology West, we can help remove these growths through tested methods that leave you feeling more confident in your own skin. We use local anesthesia in the office to help drain or remove lipomas and cysts.
In addition to removal, our office also offers a variety of services to help patients feel and look their best. From fillers to eczema relief, our office does it all. Located in Farr West, UT, we are proud to provide patient-oriented care to our local community. Dermatology West follows the latest treatment options and keeps up on medical research to ensure our patients get the very best care possible. Don’t endure years of discomfort; work with our qualified dermatologists and find relief today.