Compare · Conditions

Lipoma vs Pilar Cyst

A benign lump formed from fat cells beneath the skin. A keratin-filled cyst arising from the hair root sheath, usually on the scalp.

Research updated 2026-10-23
AI-generated educational illustration of Lipoma: 1. Lipoma — Card Image. Not a clinical photograph.Pilar Cyst
Key differencesWhat is it?What it looks likeDiagramsWhen it startsTriggersDaily CareTreatmentOutlookComplicationsWhen to get helpQuestions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age
Adults
Adults
Where
Trunk, shoulders, arms
Scalp
Main sign
Soft, rubbery, movable lump
Smooth firm lump
Itch or pain
Painless
Painless unless inflamed
Contagious
No
No
Long term
Harmless; grows slowly
Stays until removed
Scars
Removal leaves a scar
No
Who gets it
Adults 40–60
Adults; often runs in families

What is it?

Lipoma
Pilar Cyst
What is it?
  • What it is
    A benign lump formed from fat cells beneath the skin.
  • What it is
    A keratin-filled cyst arising from the hair root sheath, usually on the scalp.

What it looks like

Lipoma

An upper arm with a smooth dome-shaped lump and no visible surface opening.

Lipoma The upper arm has a rounded bulge beneath an intact skin surface.

Pilar Cyst

Gloved hands parting hair around a rounded skin-colored scalp lump.

Pilar Cyst Parted hair reveals a smooth raised bump beneath the skin.

Skin tones
Lipoma on light skin.
Lipoma on medium skin.
Lipoma on brown skin.
Lipoma on deep skin.
Pilar Cyst on light skin.
A smooth rounded pilar cyst beneath intact scalp skin.
A smooth rounded pilar cyst beneath intact scalp skin.
A smooth rounded pilar cyst beneath intact scalp skin.
In the skin

Mature fat cells form a localized benign growth beneath the skin. The collection usually creates a soft lump rather than a change confined to the surface.

Cells from the hair root sheath form a cyst lining beneath the skin. Keratin produced by this lining accumulates inside the cyst.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Lipoma. Most commonly recognised in adults.

Pilar Cyst. Most often recognised in adults.

Causes and triggers

Causes

A local collection of mature fat cells forms a benign tumour.

Keratin accumulates within a cyst lined by cells from the hair root sheath.

Risk factors
Adult age, Family tendency in some people
Family tendency
Trigger
● Lipoma
● Pilar Cyst
No established short-term flare trigger
Not a typical trigger
Not listed
Local trauma can inflame an existing cyst
Not listed
Can contribute

Daily Care

Lipoma
Pilar Cyst
Daily care

Habits that help

  • Leave a stable, clinician-confirmed benign lesion alone
    It may not need treatment if it is comfortable and not changing.
  • Reduce rubbing from clothing, shaving or hair tools
    Repeated injury can make a harmless lesion sore or cause bleeding.
  • Notice meaningful changes without repeatedly squeezing it
    Arrange examination for rapid growth, persistent bleeding or a change in appearance.
  • Arrange review if a lump becomes painful, firm or fixed
    A presumed lipoma should not be repeatedly massaged or treated with fat-dissolving home remedies.

Avoid

  • Avoid: Cutting, burning, freezing or acid removal at home
    Home removal can cause infection, scarring and delay the correct diagnosis.

Habits that help

  • Leave a stable, clinician-confirmed benign lesion alone
    It may not need treatment if it is comfortable and not changing.
  • Reduce rubbing from clothing, shaving or hair tools
    Repeated injury can make a harmless lesion sore or cause bleeding.
  • Notice meaningful changes without repeatedly squeezing it
    Arrange examination for rapid growth, persistent bleeding or a change in appearance.
  • Comb and wash around the lump gently
    Do not puncture a scalp cyst; inflammation or drainage needs assessment.

Avoid

  • Avoid: Cutting, burning, freezing or acid removal at home
    Home removal can cause infection, scarring and delay the correct diagnosis.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment
● Lipoma
● Pilar Cyst
Procedures

Excision

Listed

Pain, growth or diagnostic uncertainty may justify removal or tissue assessment.

Excision

Listed

Can remove a symptomatic or troublesome cyst and its wall; the specimen may be examined.

Outlook

Long term

A confirmed lipoma is usually harmless and may remain stable or grow slowly. It can be removed if needed and recurrence after complete excision is uncommon; a rapidly changing or painful lump needs reassessment.

Pilar cysts are usually benign and often remain unless removed. A painful or inflamed cyst needs assessment; recurrence is possible if the cyst wall is not completely removed.

Complications

Possible complications

A secure diagnosis matters because other lesions can look similar.

Most are benign; a rapidly growing, ulcerated or recurrent lump needs assessment.

When to get help

When to get help

Have a rapidly growing, deep, firm, fixed or painful lump assessed rather than assuming it is a lipoma.

Have painful, growing, bleeding or uncertain lumps examined.

Common questions

Lipoma:What is Lipoma?

A benign lump formed from fat cells beneath the skin.

Lipoma:What can I do day to day?

Avoid picking or home removal. Protect exposed skin from the sun.

Lipoma:When should I get medical advice?

Have a rapidly growing, deep, firm, fixed or painful lump assessed rather than assuming it is a lipoma.

Pilar Cyst:What is Pilar Cyst?

A keratin-filled cyst arising from the hair root sheath, usually on the scalp.

Pilar Cyst:What can I do day to day?

Avoid picking or squeezing and protect it from comb trauma.

Pilar Cyst:When should I get medical advice?

Have painful, growing, bleeding or uncertain lumps examined.

Sources

Sources and further reading

  1. Lipoma
  2. Trichilemmal cyst
Dermapedia on YouTube