Lipoma/ Sebaceous Cyst

Lipomas and sebaceous cysts are two common types of benign skin growths that can occur anywhere on the body. While they may share some similarities, they arise from different types of tissue and have distinct characteristics.

Lipoma:

• Lipomas are soft, rubbery, movable lumps that develop beneath the skin. They are composed of fatty tissue and typically feel doughy or squishy to the touch.
• These growths are usually painless and slow-growing, and they can vary in size from small pea-sized nodules to larger masses several inches in diameter.
• Lipomas are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, or thighs, but they can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present.
• While the exact cause of lipomas is unknown, they may develop due to genetic factors, hormonal imbalances, or trauma to the affected area.
• Lipomas are generally harmless and do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort, interfere with movement, or are of cosmetic concern. Surgical removal (excision) is the most common treatment option and is usually performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.

Sebaceous Cyst:

• Sebaceous cysts, also known as epidermoid cysts, are noncancerous growths that develop beneath the skin's surface. They are typically filled with keratin, a protein found in skin cells, and sebum, an oily substance produced by the skin's oil glands.
• Sebaceous cysts often present as round, firm, or movable lumps that may feel smooth or have a dome-like appearance on the skin's surface.
• These cysts commonly occur on the face, neck, scalp, back, or genitals, where hair follicles and oil glands are abundant.
• The exact cause of sebaceous cysts is not always clear, but they may develop due to blocked hair follicles, trauma to the skin, or underlying skin conditions.
• Sebaceous cysts are usually harmless and asymptomatic unless they become infected, inflamed, or rupture, causing pain, redness, and drainage of thick, foul-smelling fluid.
• Treatment for sebaceous cysts may include drainage of the cyst's contents, injection of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, or surgical excision if the cyst is large, symptomatic, or prone to recurrence.