Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention
It’s not uncommon to confuse polyps and cysts. Both are abnormal growths that can develop on nearly any part of the body and are generally harmless except in certain situations. But polyps and cysts differ in their material makeup, the types of symptoms they cause, and the treatment options available.
This article outlines the main differences between polyps and cysts, providing tips on when to see a healthcare provider for an official diagnosis.
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Polyps and cysts are two different types of abnormal tissue growths that can occur in various locations in the body.
A polypis a tissue mass shaped like a stalk or finger, commonly found in thecolon,uterus,nose, and throat, among other areas.
A cystis a fluid-, air-, or tissue-filled sac commonly foundunder the skin,wrists,knees,ovaries, and breasts, along with other parts of the body. When a cyst becomes infected, it fills with pus and is known as an abscess.
Both can sometimes beasymptomatic, which means that you don’t feel or notice them. But when they do cause symptoms, there are some variations.
Polyps vs. Cysts: SymptomsPolyps and cysts cause different symptoms based on where they’re located, including:PolypsBleedingPain or tendernessDrainage or congestionNauseaCystsAppearance of a lump under the skinPain and swellingInfectionPressure and bloatingBoth types of abnormal masses can grow slowly over time or appear quickly.
Polyps vs. Cysts: Symptoms
Polyps and cysts cause different symptoms based on where they’re located, including:PolypsBleedingPain or tendernessDrainage or congestionNauseaCystsAppearance of a lump under the skinPain and swellingInfectionPressure and bloatingBoth types of abnormal masses can grow slowly over time or appear quickly.
Polyps and cysts cause different symptoms based on where they’re located, including:
Polyps
Cysts
Both types of abnormal masses can grow slowly over time or appear quickly.
Polyps and cysts can result from a range of different factors specific to the part of the body where they’re located.
Polyp causes can vary based on where they are located in the body.
Common causes of cysts include:
The process fordiagnosing polyps and cystsis similar.
First, your healthcare provider will ask questions about the growth, such as how long it’s been there, whether it’s growing, and if it’s causing any symptoms. Then, they’ll perform a physical examination of the area, checking the growth’s shape, size, and consistency (if it’s visible).
From there, a healthcare provider may administer certain imaging tests to make a diagnosis. These diagnostic tools allow them to take a closer look at the spot in question. They might include:
The goal is to determine what the condition is, whether it’s cancerous or benign, and which treatment options (if any) should be considered.
Though many polyps and cysts are not considered to be harmful, it’s still important to properly diagnose the growth so that appropriate treatment can be given, if needed.
Polyp treatment will depend on where in the body they’re located, how large or disruptive they are, and whether they may have the potential to become cancerous.
Treating cysts can involve a monitoring approach or removal through surgery. Oftentimes, there is no treatment needed for a cyst because certain types tend to go away on their own.
But if the cyst is painful, becomes infected, interferes with other body parts or movements, or affects your quality of life, your healthcare provider may recommend the following treatment options to shrink or completely remove the cyst:
There are certain steps you can take to help prevent polyps and cysts from forming in the first place. These preventive measures will depend on where the growths are located in the body.
Some risk factors for developing polyps—like age or geneticsfor colon polyps—can’t be prevented.
However, experts do recommend certain lifestyle habits to helpreduce the chances of developing polyps, including maintaining a healthy diet and weight, exercising regularly, and keeping up with routine medical screenings (if they’re accessible to you).
Some of the risk factors for developing certain types of cysts—like genetics for ovarian cysts—can’t change.
Depending on the type of cyst, your healthcare provider may recommend measures such as exercising regularly, taking birth control to help manage hormone levels, and—to prevent the chances of cyst infection—keeping the skin clean.
Polyps and cysts are both abnormal growths of tissue that can develop in various locations in the body. Here’s how they differ:PolypsTissue mass in the shape of a stalk with a ball on the endCommonly form in the colon, uterus, nose, and throatTypically benign, but can potentially become cancerous in the futureCystsTissue pouch or pocket filled with fluid, air, or pusCommonly form under the skin, joints, ovaries, and breastsUsually benign but can grow larger, cause pain, or become infected
Polyps and cysts are both abnormal growths of tissue that can develop in various locations in the body. Here’s how they differ:
Summary
Polyps and cysts are sometimes referred to interchangeably, but they’re actually different types of abnormal growths. Though both can develop in many parts of the body, their symptoms, causes, and outcomes vary. Many polyps and cysts are not harmful, but certain kinds can cause damage or turn cancerous. This is why it’s important to get a diagnosis from a healthcare provider so you can consider appropriate treatment options.
A Word From Verywell
Noticing a cyst on your skin or learning that you have a polyp on an internal organ can feel scary. But remember that these growths are common and have options for treatment if needed. Just make sure to check with a healthcare provider if you notice abnormal changes, pain, or signs of infection.
13 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Polyps.National Cancer Institute.Cyst.MedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.National Health Service UK.Bowel polyps.Harvard Health.Cysts (overview).MedlinePlus.Kidney cysts.MedlinePlus.Ovarian cysts.Better Health Channel Australia.Polyps.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of colon polyps.Better Health Channel Australia.Cysts.Crowell MS, Westrick RB, Fogarty BT.Cysts of the lateral meniscus.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013;8(3):340-348.Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.MedlinePlus.Endometrial polyps.
13 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Academy of Family Physicians.Polyps.National Cancer Institute.Cyst.MedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.National Health Service UK.Bowel polyps.Harvard Health.Cysts (overview).MedlinePlus.Kidney cysts.MedlinePlus.Ovarian cysts.Better Health Channel Australia.Polyps.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of colon polyps.Better Health Channel Australia.Cysts.Crowell MS, Westrick RB, Fogarty BT.Cysts of the lateral meniscus.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013;8(3):340-348.Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.MedlinePlus.Endometrial polyps.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Polyps.National Cancer Institute.Cyst.MedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.National Health Service UK.Bowel polyps.Harvard Health.Cysts (overview).MedlinePlus.Kidney cysts.MedlinePlus.Ovarian cysts.Better Health Channel Australia.Polyps.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of colon polyps.Better Health Channel Australia.Cysts.Crowell MS, Westrick RB, Fogarty BT.Cysts of the lateral meniscus.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013;8(3):340-348.Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.MedlinePlus.Endometrial polyps.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Polyps.
National Cancer Institute.Cyst.
MedlinePlus.Nasal polyps.
National Health Service UK.Bowel polyps.
Harvard Health.Cysts (overview).
MedlinePlus.Kidney cysts.
MedlinePlus.Ovarian cysts.
Better Health Channel Australia.Polyps.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of colon polyps.
Better Health Channel Australia.Cysts.
Crowell MS, Westrick RB, Fogarty BT.Cysts of the lateral meniscus.Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2013;8(3):340-348.
Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts.
MedlinePlus.Endometrial polyps.
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