Finding a lump beneath your skin can be unsettling, but many are harmless growths such as epidermoid cysts or lipomas. Although these growths are usually benign, they can become uncomfortable, inflamed, infected, or simply bothersome because of their location or appearance.
At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer, PLLC Center, our providers diagnose skin growths every day and can determine whether a lump is a cyst, lipoma, or another condition that may require treatment.
An epidermoid cyst is a slow-growing pocket beneath the skin filled with keratin, a naturally occurring skin protein.
They commonly occur on the:
Most cysts are harmless but may become swollen, tender, drain, or become infected.
A lipoma is a benign growth made of fatty tissue beneath the skin.
Lipomas are typically:
They most often develop on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or thighs.
While most cysts and lipomas are benign, it’s important to have new or changing growths evaluated by a dermatologist.
Schedule an appointment if you notice:
Because other skin conditions—including certain skin cancers—can occasionally resemble benign growths, a professional evaluation provides peace of mind and ensures appropriate treatment.
Not every cyst or lipoma requires treatment.
If treatment is recommended, options may include:
Observation
Many small, symptom-free growths simply need periodic monitoring.
In-Office Removal
Symptomatic cysts and lipomas can often be removed during a minor in-office procedure.
Drainage
Some inflamed cysts may be temporarily drained, although complete removal is often recommended to reduce recurrence.
Medication
Inflamed cysts may occasionally be treated with medication to reduce inflammation before removal.
Your dermatologist will recommend the treatment that best fits your specific diagnosis.
If an entire cyst wall is successfully removed, recurrence is uncommon. If only the contents are drained, the cyst is more likely to return.
Lipomas are less likely to recur after complete removal.
Most epidermoid cysts are completely benign.
Lipomas are almost always benign fatty growths and rarely cause medical problems.
No. Attempting to squeeze a cyst can increase inflammation, infection, and scarring.
Some remain unchanged for years, while others become inflamed or continue to enlarge.
Lipomas are benign. Very rarely, other types of soft tissue tumors can resemble a lipoma, which is why evaluation is recommended for new or changing lumps.
Learn about other common benign skin growths and when they should be evaluated.
Understand how viral skin growths differ from cysts and lipomas.
Some inflamed cysts can resemble other skin conditions before they’re properly diagnosed.
Not every lump is a benign growth. Skin exams help identify concerning lesions early.
Expert care focused on long-term skin health.
Comprehensive care for children and adults
Personalized treatment plans based on your symptoms and lifestyle
Convenient locations throughout Northwest Arkansas
Cysts and lipomas are among the most common benign skin growths evaluated by dermatologists. Epidermoid cysts are keratin-filled sacs that develop beneath the skin, while lipomas are soft fatty growths that typically grow slowly over time. Although most are harmless, painful, enlarging, or inflamed lumps should be evaluated by a dermatologist to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether treatment is needed. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, we provide expert diagnosis and in-office treatment for cysts, lipomas, and other common skin growths throughout Northwest Arkansas.
Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center, PLLC proudly serves patients throughout Northwest Arkansas with convenient locations including:
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