Sebaceous Cyst vs Lipoma - What are the Major Differences?

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). 

1. These common, harmless lumps can be as small as a pea or as large as a grapefruit. They usually have a spot-like dark opening at the top. 
2. Cysts form when skin cells don’t shed properly and move deep into the skin layers, where they multiply. 
3. The sacs formed by these skin cells are filled with keratin protein with an oily, cheese-like texture. 
4. However, cysts that develop from other types of cells may be filled with different substances. 

Cysts can be of several types. The most common types of cysts include:

1. Epidermoid cyst: Present in the superficial of the uppermost layer of the skin, usually caused by a buildup of keratin.
2. Dermoid cyst: Found in the dermis (middle layer of skin).
3. Sebaceous cyst: Originates from the sebaceous glands, caused by damage or blockage of the glands.
4. Ganglion cyst: A round, gel-filled lump usually develops along the tendons or joints of wrists, hands, ankles, and feet.
5. Pilonidal cyst: An abnormal pocket in the skin that forms at the top of the cleft of the buttocks.
6. Ovarian cyst: Fluid-filled sacs that develop in one or both ovaries.
7. Pilar cyst: A skin-coloured bump that forms under the skin's surface and is usually found on the scalp.
8. Mucous cyst: A fluid-filled swelling that develops on the lip or mouth.

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:

1. Conventional: The most common type of lipomas containing white blood cells. 
2. Angiolipoma: It contains fat and blood vessels and is usually painful. 
3. Fibrolipoma: It is made up of fat and fibrous tissue. 
4. Myelolipoma: It contains fat and tissues that produce blood cells. 
5. Hibernoma: Compared to most other lipomas containing white fat, hibernoma contains brown fat. 
6. Pleomorphic: It contains fat cells of varied sizes and shapes. 

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. 

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 HexaHealth 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.