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Finding a new bump under your skin can mess with your peace of mind fast. Maybe it showed up out of nowhere. Maybe it has been there for months, but suddenly feels bigger or sore. A lot of people immediately wonder the same thing: Is this something harmless, or something that needs treatment?
At REJUVA Dermatology, this is a common concern, and the first step is getting an accurate diagnosis so you know what you are dealing with.
Two of the most common causes of skin lumps are lipomas and cysts. They can look and feel similar at first, but they are not the same. The good news is that dermatologists have a very specific way of sorting them out, and in many cases, the answer comes from a careful exam and a few key clues.
Why Lipomas And Cysts Get Mixed Up
From the outside, both can present as a rounded lump under the skin. Both can be slow-growing. And both can show up in places like the back, neck, chest, or scalp. REJUVA Dermatology also notes that cysts may appear on the face and other common areas, and that while most are harmless, evaluation matters, especially if they become swollen or infected.
What makes them confusing is that “lump” is a broad category. Several different skin conditions can create a bump, and some look alike until you check details like texture, mobility, and whether the lump is connected to the surface of the skin.
Lipoma Vs Cyst: The Differences Dermatologists Pay Attention To
A lipoma is typically a soft, rubbery collection of fatty tissue under the skin. Many lipomas are painless and move slightly when you press on them. Mayo Clinic describes lipomas as slow-growing, usually soft and not tender, and they often move with slight finger pressure.
A cyst, on the other hand, is a closed sac under the skin that contains fluid, pus, or other material. REJUVA Dermatology describes cysts this way and notes they can vary in size and may become tender, swollen, or infected. DermNet adds that a common type, an epidermoid cyst, is typically filled with keratin and lipid-rich debris.
Here are a few common “tell” signs dermatologists look for:
- Feel: Lipomas often feel soft and doughy. Cysts can feel firmer, and sometimes you can sense a more defined “capsule.”
- Skin Connection: Many cysts are closer to the skin surface and may feel tethered to it, while a lipoma usually feels more like it is sitting under normal skin.
- Inflammation Pattern: Lipomas generally do not get red and painful. Cysts are more likely to flare, swell, or drain if inflamed or infected.
- Punctum Clue: Some cysts have a tiny central opening (punctum). When present, that can be a strong hint.
How Dermatologists Diagnose Skin Lumps
Most of the time, diagnosing a lipoma vs. a cyst starts with something simple: a conversation and a hands-on exam.
Step 1: History That Actually Matters
A dermatologist will ask questions like: How long has it been there? Has it changed quickly? Does it hurt? Has it ever drained? Did it start after irritation or trauma? These details help separate a quiet, stable lump from one that is irritated, infected, or behaving unusually.
Step 2: A Focused Physical Exam
During the exam, your dermatologist is checking:
- The lump’s size and shape
- Whether it moves freely or feels fixed in place
- Whether there is redness, warmth, tenderness, or drainage
- Whether the skin surface has a punctum or other changes
This is also where many people feel relief, because a trained exam can often clarify what is going on right away.
Step 3: When Imaging Or Biopsy Makes Sense
If a lump is large, deep, growing fast, or has unusual features, further workup may be recommended. Mayo Clinic notes that imaging (like ultrasound, MRI, or CT) or a biopsy may be used when a suspected lipoma is large, deeper than typical fatty tissue, or has unusual features.
There are also general “red flags” for soft tissue masses that should prompt more evaluation, such as being deep to the fascia, 5 cm or larger, or rapidly growing. This does not mean “it is cancer.” It means a clinician should take a closer look to rule out less common but more serious causes.
When A “Cyst” Might Actually Be Something Else
It is completely normal to label any bump a “cyst” in everyday conversation, but not every lump is one. Some growths are skin tags or benign tumors. Some are swollen lymph nodes, inflamed hair follicles, or other conditions. That is one reason REJUVA Dermatology emphasizes professional evaluation, even though most cysts are noncancerous.
If you notice any of the following, it is worth getting checked sooner rather than later:
- The lump is quickly enlarging
- It becomes painful, warm, or very red
- It starts draining thick fluid or pus
- It feels fixed in place or very deep
- It is interfering with movement or daily comfort
Treatment Options At REJUVA Dermatology
Once a dermatologist confirms what the lump is, the plan becomes much clearer. If it is a lipoma and it is not bothering you, monitoring may be enough. If it is bothersome, growing, or cosmetically frustrating, removal can be discussed based on size and location.
For Cysts, REJUVA Dermatology outlines several in-office options, depending on whether the cyst is calm, inflamed, or infected:
- Drainage or aspiration can relieve pressure when a cyst is swollen or uncomfortable, though recurrence is possible if the capsule remains.
- Minor surgical removal is often the most effective way to eliminate a cyst and reduce the chance it comes back. It is typically done in-office with local anesthesia and is described as leaving minimal scarring.
- Corticosteroid injections may help if a cyst is inflamed but not infected.
- Antibiotics may be used when infection is present before removal.
- Laser or electrosurgery may be appropriate for certain cyst types to address the cyst wall and reduce recurrence.
This is also where the goal is not just “remove the bump.” It is to do it safely, minimize scarring, and reduce the chances you end up dealing with the same issue again. If you have been searching for skin lump removal, a dermatologist can explain which option fits your specific lump and why.
Want A Clear Answer On That Lump?
If you are dealing with a stubborn lump and want a clear answer, a focused exam can usually sort out what it is and what to do next. If you are looking for a dermatology clinic for cysts, our team at REJUVA Dermatology evaluates lumps carefully and offers options for cyst removal in Venice, FL, with treatment choices based on what your skin needs and how the lump is behaving. Book your cyst consultation today!
