Cyst vs. Tumor: What Are the Differences?

Medically reviewed by Marisa Garshick, MD

Have you ever wondered about the differences between a cyst and a tumor? To make a diagnosis, a healthcare provider will use imaging scans and other procedures to distinguish between the two types of growths. A proper diagnosis is crucial in determining treatment.

This article discusses the distinct characteristics of cysts and tumors, including how they feel by touch, their appearance on scans, approaches to removal, and when to see your healthcare provider.

Comparing a Cyst vs. Tumor

A cyst is a saclike pocket of tissue containing air, pus, fluid, or other materials. They are usually benign (noncancerous) and often form on the skin due to an infection, or clogged oil glands. Cysts can also occur in various parts of the body, including the breasts, ovaries, and kidneys.

Cyst symptoms depend on the type and location of the cyst. Symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness (can be unpainful in some cases)

• Swelling or a visible lump under the skin

• Redness or warmth around the cyst

• Discharge of pus or other fluids from the cyst

• Changes in size or shape of the cyst over time

A tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that can be either benign or malignant (cancerous).

Benign tumors typically do not spread to other parts of the body. They may grow slowly, and they usually have well-defined borders. Malignant tumors, however, are cancerous and can invade nearby tissues and metastasize (spread to distant organs).

Tumor symptoms depend on the type and location of the tumor and may include:

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue or weakness

• Pain

• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

• Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion

• Persistent cough or hoarseness

• Changes in skin, such as darkening or new moles

• Unusual bleeding or discharge from body openings

• Changes in a mole's size, shape, or color

It's important to note that these symptoms can vary widely depending on the type and location of the tumor. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen over time, see your healthcare provider immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment.

How They Feel by Touch

It's important to note that the texture and feel can widely vary depending on the type, location, and stage of the cyst or tumor. Also, it's crucial not to rely solely on touch for diagnosis. Medical evaluation, including imaging tests and a possibly biopsy, is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Cysts have the following characteristics:

• May be rounded or dome-shaped

• May be movable under the skin

• May be firm or feel soft if they contain fluid

• May have a smooth surface

• May be tender to the touch

Signs indicating a potentially concerning lump or tumor under the skin include:

• A change in texture, such as becoming extremely hard or feeling like a solid mass under the skin

• Development of bleeding or open wounds on the lump

• Noticeable rapid growth of the lump over a short period
  

Where They Occur

Cysts and tumors can occur in nearly every part of the body including bones, tissues, organs, and skin. Common areas for them to appear include:

• Skin

• Breasts

• Ovaries

• Thyroid

• Joints

• Mucous membranes

• Skin

• Brain

• Breasts

• Lungs

• Colon

• Ovaries

• Thyroid

• Pancreas

Both cysts and tumors can potentially develop in other organs or tissues as well.

Formation

A tumor forms when cells undergo uncontrolled and excessive growth due to genetic mutations, leading to the formation of an abnormal mass of tissue that can be benign or malignant.

Risk factors for tumors include:

• Exposure to toxins

• Consuming too much alcohol

• Having obesity

• Radiation exposure

• Viruses

• Excessive sunlight

A cyst forms when fluid, air, or other substances accumulate within a sac-like pocket of tissue, often due to blocked ducts, hormonal changes, infections, or developmental abnormalities.

Cysts frequently occur on the skin, often from clogged sebaceous glands due to acne.

You might be more likely to get a cysts on the skin if:

• Cysts run in your family.

• You have acne.

• You are an adult.

Cysts That May Become Cancerous

Fortunately, cysts are almost always noncancerous. There are distinct differences between a cyst and a tumor. A cyst is a pouch within tissue that contains fluid, air, or other materials, while a tumor is an irregular growth of tissue that is not typical for the area.

Some types of cysts have the potential to become cancerous. examples include:

• Epidermoid cysts: These are a common benign skin lesion. In extremely rare cases, a malignancy may occur.

• Ovarian cysts: Certain types of ovarian cysts, such as complex ovarian cysts, have a higher risk of developing into ovarian cancer.
  

• Breast cysts: While most breast cysts are benign, some complex breast cysts or cystic masses may harbor cancerous cells, requiring further evaluation.

• Pancreatic cyst: Pancreatic cysts are often not harmful, but some can be linked to pancreatic cancer. Deciding whether to remove a cyst before it becomes cancerous is a big decision. Healthcare providers consider many things, like the cyst's size and changes over time, to decide if surgery is needed or if monitoring the cyst is enough to catch any cancerous signs early.
  

Cyst vs. Tumor on Scans

Your healthcare provider may use an ultrasound to examine a tumor or cyst in the body. A cyst typically has smooth walls and contains clear fluid, while a tumor appears solid.

Additional imaging tests your provider may request may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

• Computed tomography (CT) scans

• Positron-emission tomography (PET) scan
  

Sometimes, your healthcare provider will request a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis.

Removing a Cyst vs. Tumor

The approach to removing a cyst or tumor depends on various factors, including the type, location, size, and whether it is benign or malignant. Following are some general differences in the removal process,

Cysts are often removed through a straightforward procedure, such as aspiration (draining the fluid) or excision (surgical removal). Depending on the size and location of the cyst, local anesthesia may be sufficient for the removal procedure.

Tumor removal often requires a more complex surgical approach, especially for larger or deep-seated tumors. This may involve open surgery or minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy (a surgical procedure in which a thin tube with an attached camera is inserted into the abdomen). Tumor removal usually requires general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and safety during the procedure.

Possibility of Cyst vs. Tumor Coming Back

The possibility of a cyst or tumor coming back depends on several factors, including the following:

• Type of cyst or tumor

• Effectiveness of treatment

• Individual health factors

Some cysts do not need to be treated if they are not causing any health problems. Even if removed it is possible for some cysts to come back. Some cysts, such as ovarian cysts, may require regular monitoring to detect any recurrence or new developments.

It is possible that benign tumors can come back after treatment, however, they typically don't grow into nearby tissue.

Malignant tumors, especially if not completely removed or treated, have a higher risk of recurrence. The aggressiveness of the tumor and its ability to spread can influence the likelihood of recurrence. The success of treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy will help determine the risk of tumor recurrence.

If You’re Unsure About a Mass on Your Body

If you are unsure about a mass on your body, see your healthcare provider right away, especially if the lump or mass:

• Bleeds or leaks fluids

• Changes color unexpectedly

• Rapidly increases in size

• Causes itching or discomfort

• Ruptures or develops an open sore

• Appears red, inflamed, or swollen

These signs could indicate underlying issues that require further evaluation.

Summary

Distinguishing between a cyst and a tumor is vital for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. While cysts are typically benign saclike structures containing various materials, tumors can be benign or malignant abnormal growths of cells.

Understanding their differences in appearance, feel, symptoms, and potential for recurrence guides healthcare providers in providing appropriate care and management. If unsure about any mass on your body, seeking medical evaluation promptly is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.

Read the original article on Verywell Health.