Noticing a lump under your skin—especially on your back, scalp, or forehead—can be unsettling. Fortunately, most of these growths are benign and commonly diagnosed as either lipomas or skin cysts. While they may look and feel similar, these two conditions have distinct differences. Below, we share how to tell a lipoma vs. a cyst, where they typically appear, and what your treatment options are.
What Is the Difference Between a Cyst and a Lipoma?
You may be wondering, “Is a lipoma a cyst?” The short answer: no. Although both form under the skin, they differ in texture, origin, and treatment needs.
- 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.
- 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).
While both are generally harmless, your doctor may recommend a biopsy if there’s any concern about malignancy.
Do Lipomas and Skin Cysts Occur in the Same Areas?
Both lipomas and cysts can appear almost anywhere on the body, but some areas are more common for each:
- Lipomas: Forehead, back, abdomen, torso, neck, and arms
- Sebaceous cysts: Face, neck, upper back, and chest
- Pilar cysts: Scalp
Understanding where these growths form can help you identify them early and discuss treatment options with your provider.
Should You Remove a Lipoma or Cyst?
You may choose to remove a lipoma or cyst if:
- It’s growing in size
- It causes pain or tenderness
- It’s visible and cosmetically bothersome
- It rubs against clothing or interferes with movement
Even if the growth is benign, removal can restore comfort and confidence, especially when it’s performed by a qualified surgeon.
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.
Get Expert Care for Lipoma or Cyst Removal in Ontario
Whether for comfort or cosmetic reasons, lipoma and cyst removal is a straightforward procedure—and in many cases, we can treat it the same day as your consultation. Get started today by requesting a consultation or calling us at (416) 663-9649 to schedule an appointment.
This blog post was originally published in April 2023 and has been updated.
Leave a Reply