The key difference is that a "lump" is a general term referring to any abnormal swelling or mass, while a "cyst" is a specific type of lump - a sac filled with fluid, air, or other material. Essentially, all cysts are lumps, but not all lumps are cysts.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Lump: A General Term
- Definition: A lump is simply any unusual bump, swelling, or mass that can be felt or seen under the skin or within the body.
- Composition: Lumps can be solid, semi-solid, or fluid-filled. They can be composed of various tissues, including fat, muscle, bone, or abnormal growths.
- Causes: Lumps can arise from numerous causes, including infections, injuries, inflammation, benign tumors, or malignant tumors (cancer).
- Examples: A swollen lymph node, a lipoma (fatty tumor), or a cancerous growth can all be described as lumps.
Cyst: A Specific Type of Lump
- Definition: A cyst is a sac-like pocket of membrane tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances.
- Composition: Cysts are defined by their sac-like structure and their contents, which can include fluid, pus, keratin (a protein), or other materials.
- Causes: Cysts can form due to infections, clogged ducts, genetic conditions, or developmental abnormalities.
- Examples: Sebaceous cysts (filled with sebum), ovarian cysts (on the ovaries), and ganglion cysts (near joints) are common types of cysts.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Lump | Cyst |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Any abnormal swelling or mass | A sac-like structure filled with fluid, air, or other material |
| Composition | Can be solid, semi-solid, or fluid-filled | Always has a sac-like structure and contains something. |
| Specificity | General term | Specific type of lump |
In Conclusion:
Think of "lump" as the broader category. A cyst is a specific type of lump characterized by its sac-like structure and fluid or other material inside. If you find a lump, a doctor will need to evaluate it to determine its nature and cause, and to differentiate it from a cyst.
