Differences between lipomas and sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cyst
The main difference is that a sebaceous cyst is a cyst while a lipoma is a benign tumour. In addition to their nature, there are differences in the way they are removed.
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It is also known as a fatty cyst, although it should really be called an epidermal cyst as it is made up of keratin, which is the substance that forms the outermost layer of the skin, as well as hair and nails, depending on how compacted it is.
The cyst is formed from a capsule that produces this substance under the skin. In this case, as it does not fall off naturally, as is normally the case (which we do not see unless we have dry skin problems or eczema), it grows and grows little by little until it forms the lump known as a sebaceous cyst. This lump is quite hard to the touch.
Unlike lipomas, sebaceous cysts communicate with the outside through a pore. Because of this, there is a possibility that foreign microorganisms can enter and cause an infection.
Normally, only infected cysts cause pain.
Treatment to cure the sebaceous cyst will depend on whether it is infected or not.
- Non-infected sebaceous cyst. Surgical treatment consists of surgical resection of the entire cyst, including the capsule, as if a single piece of the capsule were left, the cyst would re-form.
- Infected sebaceous cyst. In this case, a small cut is made to drain the purulent keratin and antibiotics are prescribed for a few days. After one or two months, when the inflammation has disappeared, the cyst is completely removed as if it were a non-infected sebaceous cyst.
Lipoma
It is a benign tumour formed from the cells where fat is stored in the human body. The conversion of a lipoma into a malignant tumour occurs very rarely.
Unlike sebaceous cysts, lipomas are solid and the structure is the same, they do not have a capsule. They also do not become infected, as they have no way of communicating with the outside world. Another difference is in their consistency, which in the case of lipomas is soft and rubbery.
Finally, there are several treatments for lipomas, although there is only one definitive treatment. In this case it is surgical resection of the lipoma. There are treatments based on liposuction aspiration, but they are never definitive, as if it is not completely removed, it may recur.
For more information on the surgical resection of lipomas and sebaceous cysts visit this link. Lipomas and sebaceous cysts, removal surgery
Do you need to surgically remove a lipoma/cyst?
Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in General Surgery
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