What Is The Difference Between A Cyst And A Tumor?

Knowing the difference between a cyst and a tumor is important. Mainly due to the general belief that a cyst is benign and a tumor is malignant. This does not correspond to reality, because in both cases there may or may not be cancer.

For most of us, it’s not easy to tell the difference between a cyst and a tumor. Either way, it’s a lump that appears somewhere in the body. Usually, it generates an alarm signal because it is immediately associated with a cancerous process.

It is often thought that the difference between a cyst and a tumor is that the former is benign and harmless, while the latter is malignant and fatal. But this is not true. There are cysts which can be dangerous and also tumors without consequences.

However, an important distinction between a cyst and a tumor is the cause that causes them. As well as, of course, their composition and development. Although the two are sometimes very similar in appearance,  they have a different nature and implications.

Cysts

Cysts are pockets or sacs that contain gaseous, liquid, or semi-liquid material, which is surrounded by a membrane. They usually appear spontaneously and often go away the same way. Usually, they are formed by the obstruction or infection of a gland.

Besides, there are different types of cysts. The most common are the following:

• Breast cysts. These are pockets full of fluid that appear in the breasts and move easily under the skin. If there are several cysts in the same breast, it is called fibrocystic breast disease.
• Follicular cysts. These are bags that form in the hair follicles and usually contain keratin. They almost always form on the scalp.
• Epidermoid cysts. These are the cysts that form in the epidermis. Mainly on the chest, back, neck and scrotum.
• Ovarian cysts. They form in the ovaries, usually during ovulation. Sometimes they cause pain and discomfort.
• Hepatic cysts:  form in the liver.
• Kidney cysts: are found in the kidneys.

Cysts can be of different sizes. Sometimes they’re no bigger than the tip of a pin. And other times, they grow to the size of a basketball. The most dangerous are the biggest because of the damage they can cause to neighboring organs.

About tumors …

Tumors are lumps that result from the division and uncontrolled growth of certain cells. These accumulate and form lumps or clumps, which turn into tumors. We also call them neoplasms.

On the other hand,  tumors can be the result of illness,  immune system disorders, alcohol or tobacco consumption, prolonged exposure to the sun, contact with certain toxins or chemicals, radiation, obesity, viruses and other factors.

Tumors can be benign, premalignant, or malignant. In other words, non-cancerous, precancerous or cancerous. The main types of tumors are:

• Lipomas. These are tumors that form with fat cells, they are located under the skin and its soft. They are almost always benign and usually appear in people over the age of 40.
• Fibroids. These tumors form fibrous or connective tissue, which is very common on and around the uterus. These are benign tumors.
• Adenomas. They form in the wall that covers organs and glands. They consist of glandular epithelial tissue and are usually benign.
• Malignant. They can form anywhere in the body. These are cancerous tumors.

Difference between a cyst and a tumor

As we can observe, the difference between a cyst and a tumor lies in several factors. The first of these is the cause. While cysts are usually formed by obstruction or infection of a gland, tumors are the result of the excessive growth of a group of cells.

Additionally,  cysts usually contain air, fluid, or a semi-solid substance, while tumors are solid masses of tissue. Almost all cysts are benign. But you should know that cancer also gives rise to the appearance of a large number of cysts. On the other hand, cysts that contain solid material can be cancerous.

Another important distinction is that cysts are often mobile. In other words, they can move from one place to another just by touching them. In contrast, tumors appear as a rigid, firm mass that is not mobile. They give the impression of being “hooked” to the body.

Finally, cysts and tumors can appear anywhere in the body and require medical examination. The risks depend on several factors. It is therefore necessary to carry out the appropriate tests to establish a diagnosis.