Knowing Tumor Vs. Cyst Differences | Which One Is Cancerous?

This article explores the difference between Tumor Vs. Cyst, especially regarding breast cysts, tumors, and how to know what you are suffering from. We also look at diagnosis, cysts and cancer risk, breast changes, breast self-exams, and when to contact a doctor. Note: Sex and gender exist on spectrums — we’ll use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to the sexes at birth.

A tumor is a solid mass of tissue that forms when abnormal cells group together. Tumors can affect bones, skin, tissue, organs, and glands. Many tumors are not cancer (they’re benign). But they still may need treatment. Cancerous, or malignant, tumors can be life-threatening and require cancer treatment. In other words, it’s a mass or group of abnormal cells that form in the body.

However, it’s worth noting that if you have a tumor, it isn’t necessarily cancer since many tumors are benign (not cancerous). Tumors can form throughout the body. They can affect bone, skin, tissues, glands, and organs. Neoplasm is another word for tumor. The difference between a tumor and a cyst is that a tumor is a solid mass of tissue — it may or may not be cancerous.

On the contrary, a cyst is a small sac that may contain fluid, air, or solid material — a majority of cysts are not cancerous. According to Medical News Today, there are several potential causes of disease-related cases such as breast lumps (cysts and tumors). Usually, a cyst forms when fluid builds up, while a tumor is a solid mass that can be either noncancerous or cancerous.

The Difference Between Tumor Vs. Cyst And Helping Know If They Are Cancerous

There’s so much that surrounds the fact that cancer is a killer disease. Thus, knowing the difference between Tumor Vs. Cyst is essential to help identify your ailment much sooner. But before we delve into their differences (Tumor Vs. Cyst), let’s first try to understand what cancer is. Cancer is a disease in which some of the body’s cells grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts.

Rapid growth (cancerous) can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells. Normally, human cells grow and multiply (through cell division) to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this orderly process breaks down, leading to abnormal cells.

As a result, the abnormal or damaged cells grow and multiply when they shouldn’t. These cells may form tumors, which are lumps of tissue. Tumors can be cancerous or not cancerous (benign). Cancerous tumors (they may also be malignant tumors) can spread into, or invade, nearby tissues and can travel to distant places in the body to form new tumors (metastasis process).

Many cancers form solid tumors, but cancers of the blood, such as leukemias, generally do not. Benign tumors do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. When removed, they usually don’t grow back, whereas cancerous tumors sometimes do. These tumors can sometimes be quite large, however. Some can cause serious symptoms or be life-threatening, such as brain benign tumors.

What Are Tumors?

On the one hand, there are three main types of tumors you should know about; benign, premalignant, and malignant. If someone has a malignant tumor, it is cancerous. Other types of tumors are not cancerous. On the other hand, a tumor develops when cells reproduce too quickly. Notwithstanding, tumors can vary in size from a tiny nodule to a large mass, depending on the type.

Still, tumors can appear almost anywhere in the body. The National Cancer Institute defines a tumor as “an abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should.” Tumors may be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). Benign tumors may grow large but do not spread into, or invade, nearby tissues or other parts of the body.

Tumors and Cysts can look similar, and both can form on almost any part of the body. In most cases, tumors are solid tissue masses, while cysts are sacs containing other substances, such as fluid or air. Due to their content, cysts may appear softer to the touch than tumors, which typically feel firm. However, some benign tumors can also feel soft to the touch. Let’s classify them…

By Category:

Cancerous: Malignant or cancerous tumors can spread into nearby tissue, glands, and other parts of the body. The new tumors are metastases (mets). Cancerous tumors can come back after treatment (cancer recurrence). These tumors can be life-threatening.
Noncancerous: Benign tumors are not cancerous and are rarely life-threatening. They’re localized, which means they don’t typically affect nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. Many noncancerous tumors don’t need treatment. However, some noncancerous tumors press on other body parts and do need medical care.
Precancerous: These noncancerous tumors can become cancerous if not treated.

By Type:

Benign: These tumors are not cancerous. They do not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. If a doctor removes them, they do not generally return.
Premalignant: In these tumors, the cells are not yet cancerous, but they can potentially become malignant.
Malignant: Malignant tumors are cancerous. The cells can grow and spread to other parts of the body.

It is not always clear how a tumor will act in the future. Some benign tumors can become premalignant and then malignant. Malignant tumors can spread into, or invade, nearby tissues. They can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. Also called neoplasm. For this reason, it is best to monitor any growth. Also, seek immediate medical help!

What Are Cysts?

These are relatively common fluid-filled sacs that can develop in tissues in any part of the body in different types. Infections, tumors, parasites, and injuries can cause cysts. They are usually benign, but sometimes, they can be cancerous. If a person has concerns about a cyst or has noticed a new lump, it is best to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

In layman’s language, cysts are closed capsule or sac-like structures, typically containing a liquid, semisolid, or gaseous material, much like a blister. There are many types, such as acne cysts, ganglion cysts, and kidney cysts. The cyst is not a regular part of the tissue where it occurs. Plus, they vary in size (microscopic to very large) — very large can displace internal organs.

Cyst has a distinct membrane and is separate from nearby tissue. The outer, or capsular, portion of a cyst is known as the cyst wall. There are various types of cysts that your doctor will examine and identify in you. But before we look into a detailed overview of each type of cyst, let’s first learn a few things related to the symptoms and some of the most notable causes.

On that note, it’s worth mentioning that the signs and symptoms of cysts vary widely depending on what type of cyst it is. Many internal cysts, such as those that occur in the kidneys or the liver, may not cause any symptoms at all. You may not notice them until they show up on an imaging scan (an MRI, CT, or ultrasound scan). For instance, skin cysts are easy to notice.

Common Symptoms:

a lump under the skin
fluid or pus in the lump
pain, redness, or discoloration

It is unusual for some cysts, such as skin cysts, to cause pain unless they rupture, become infected, or are inflamed. However, breast cysts can cause pain. A person may also experience headaches and other symptoms if a cyst develops on the brain. Be that as it may, cysts can occur anywhere on the body. There are numerous possible causes that a doctor will help you identify.

Including the following:

infections or clogged sebaceous glands
tumors or genetic conditions
a fault in an organ of a developing embryo
chronic inflammatory conditions or a defect in the cells
blockages of ducts in the body that cause fluids to build up
a parasite or an injury that breaks a vessel

It’s also essential to differentiate between cysts vs. boils. Although cysts and boils can appear similar in appearance, their causes and treatment options are different. A cyst is a closed sac that consists of liquid, gaseous, or semisolid material. On the contrary, a boil is a lump that is filled with pus and develops around hair follicles. They usually occur as a result of a bacterial infection.

For example, there’s a cyst case such as the Vocal Fold Cyst, which is of two types: mucus retention cysts and epidermoid cysts. Generally speaking, vocal fold cysts can interfere with the quality of a person’s speech, sometimes causing their vocal cords to misbehave. They may produce multiple tones simultaneously, known as diplophonia, breathy speech, dysphonia, hoarseness, etc.

Treatment:

steroids
speech therapy
surgery

If the cyst is not easily accessible, doctors may use radiologic imaging to accurately guide the needle or catheter. Usually, cysts less than 10 centimeters are benign and, providing they are not causing any symptoms, only require watchful waiting. Usually, a healthcare professional may request a further evaluation if the cyst measures more than 10 cm and is complex, including;

1. Acne And Arachnoid Cysts

On the one hand, Cystic Acne, or Nodulocystic Acne, is a severe type of acne in which the skin’s pores become blocked, leading to a body inflammation or infection. On the other hand, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke notes that arachnoid cysts develop between the arachnoid membrane and the brain or spinal cord. These cysts contain spinal fluid.

Arachnoid cysts may affect newborn babies. Doctors call these primary arachnoid cysts. The arachnoid membrane covers the brain. During fetal development, it doubles up or splits to form an abnormal pocket of spinal fluid. In some cases, a doctor may need to drain the cyst. Secondary arachnoid cysts develop as a result of head injury, tumors, or meningitis.

2. Baker’s And Bartholin’s Cysts

First, Baker’s Cysts are also known as popliteal cysts. Some do not cause any symptoms. However, a person with a Baker’s cyst can experience various notable symptoms.

Including:

knee pain
a lump behind the knee
a feeling of fullness behind the knee
swelling in the knee and lower leg
stiffness or tightness located at the back of the knee

Secondly, Baker’s Cysts usually develop due to a problem with the knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. At the same time, Bartholin’s Cysts can occur if the ducts of the Bartholin gland, which are inside the vagina, become blocked. As a rule of thumb, your doctor may recommend surgery or prescription antibiotics as treatment.

3. Breast And Chalazion Cysts

Markedly, Breast Cysts are common and may be painful. In people assigned female at birth, these cysts can develop or change in size throughout the menstrual cycle, and they often disappear on their own. However, a doctor can drain the fluid if they are causing discomfort. According to the American Cancer Society, simple cysts do not increase the risk of breast cancer.

That said, there is a small chance that complex cysts may contain cancer or increase a person’s risk of cancer later on, depending on the results of a biopsy. On the other hand, Chalazion Cysts occur when very small eyelid glands, known as meibomian glands, make a lubricant that comes out of tiny openings in the edges of the eyelids — that’s if the ducts are blocked.

4. Colloid And Dentigerous Cysts

Colloid Cysts develop in the brain and contain gelatinous material. Treatment depends on whether the cyst is causing symptoms or a buildup of fluid in the brain. A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst or aspiration (draining). Dentigerous cysts surround the crown of an unerupted tooth. It typically develops when a person is in their 20s and 30s, though it can happen at other times too. Some people may require surgery to remove the cyst.

5. Dermoid And Epidermoid Cysts

Dermoid Cysts comprise mature skin, hair follicles, sweat glands, and clumps of long hair, as well as fat, bone, cartilage, and thyroid tissue. They can form anywhere on the body. A doctor may recommend surgically removing the cyst. Epidermoid Cysts contain keratin material and occur on the skin of the face, back, scalp, or scrotum. A 2021 article notes that people may also refer to epidermoid cysts as “sebaceous cysts.” However, these cysts do not involve the sebaceous gland, and healthcare professionals call them epidermoid cysts instead.

6. Ganglion And Hydatid Cysts

Ganglion Cysts are small, benign cysts that form on or near a joint or covering of a tendon. They usually develop on the wrist and hand but can also appear on the foot, ankle, or knee. A doctor may recommend draining the cyst or surgery to remove it (learn more about other methods). Hydatid Cysts develop due to a relatively small tapeworm. These cysts form in the lungs or liver. Treatment options include surgery and medication.

7. Kidney And Ovarian Cysts

There are several types of kidney cysts, or renal cysts and they are usually harmless. In this case, simple kidney (solitary) cysts contain fluids, sometimes including blood. Some are present at birth, while tubular blockages cause others. People with renal vascular diseases may have cysts that form due to dilatation of the blood vessels. Treatment for kidney cysts may not be necessary if they do not cause any symptoms. However, draining or surgery can help manage any symptoms that do occur.

Ovarian Cysts are common in females who have regular periods. They form during the menstruation cycle or ovulation. The majority of ovarian cysts are benign and cause no symptoms. However, some can become so large that the abdomen protrudes. In simple terms, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) refers to when the ovaries develop many small cysts. A doctor may recommend surgery to remove the cyst if it grows large, causes pain, or does not go away in time.

8. Pancreatic And Periapical Cysts

With almost 20 types, Pancreatic Cysts can occur when the cells of the pancreas are injured or inflamed. They can also occur when pancreatic enzymes leak and damage the tissue of the pancreas. And they can be cancerous or noncancerous.

As such, their treatment can depend on the type of cyst you are suffering from. Periapical Cysts are the most common type of Odontogenic Cysts, which are related to the formation and development of teeth. These cysts usually develop due to inflammation of the pulp, pulp death, or tooth decay. Doctors may recommend endodontic (root canal) therapy for periapical cysts.

9. Pilar And Pilonidal Cysts

Pilar Cysts are also known as trichilemmal cysts. They are fluid-filled cysts that form from a hair follicle and usually develop on the scalp. Radical surgical excision is the main treatment for pilar cysts. At the same time, Pilonidal Cysts can form in the skin.

In particular, they may form near the tailbone or lower back, and they sometimes contain ingrown hair. These cysts can grow in clusters, which sometimes creates a hole or cavity in the skin. Fortunately, a person may not require treatment for the cyst unless an infection develops. Furthermore, a doctor may then easily drain the cyst and quickly treat the infection.

10. Pineal Gland And Tarlov Cysts

These are benign cysts that form in the pineal gland in the brain. According to a review from 2020, pineal gland cysts are common. A person may not require surgery to remove the cyst unless it causes painful or bothersome symptoms. Tarlov Cysts — also known as perineural, perineurial, or sacral nerve root cysts — occur at the base of the spine and are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. A doctor may recommend lifestyle changes to help manage pain due to a Tarlov cyst.

The Best Practices To Stay Safe When You Notice Significance Changes

As mentioned, Cysts and Tumors are both abnormal masses of tissue or swelling, but they differ in various ways. For instance, a Cyst can form when fluid builds up in the breast, while a tumor is a solid mass that can be either noncancerous or cancerous. Cysts happen when fluid, cells, or air collect and become trapped inside your body. A cyst may grow bigger, but not spread.

Eventually, it may or may not cause symptoms. Tumors can be benign or cancerous (malignant). Cells may divide and grow too quickly, or cells may not die as they should. This causes clumps of cells called tumors to form. Realistically, many cysts are benign, and they may not cause any symptoms. Sometimes, we may not know we have a cyst — it may go away on its own.

Some may see or feel a tumor, but others will only show up on imaging tests, such as MRIs or mammograms. Screening tests such as colonoscopies and Pap smears can also pick up malignant and pre-cancerous tumors. A biopsy can help determine the lump type. The doctor will take a small tissue sample and send it to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope.

For your information, the treatment options for a Tumor Vs. Cyst depend on a range of factors, including the type, part, size, and the degree of discomfort it is causing. For very large cysts that are causing massive symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgical removal. Sometimes, a doctor can drain, or aspirate, the cyst by inserting a needle or catheter into the cavity.

More About:

Unfortunately, people of all sexes and genders can develop lumps in the breast tissue without even knowing it. Regardless of whether a person suspects a lump in the breast of being a tumor, a cyst, or something else, they should contact a doctor. One thing is sure: Some cysts can be cancerous, so it is best to contact a doctor as soon as a person has concerns about a cyst.

As mentioned, some cysts may go away on their own. However, if a cyst does not go away or grows larger, it may require treatment, such as surgery to remove it or aspiration. In this case, according to the National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics for most cysts. Likewise, doctors may also use imaging tests, such as an ultrasound.

This helps them to help determine if an ovarian cyst is cancerous. They may also perform a laparoscopy to get a sample for a biopsy. The doctor may take the sample either in their office, using a needle, or during a surgical procedure to remove the tumor. They may decide that a person needs surgery first if they suspect that a tumor is malignant or if it is pressing on a nerve.