What's the difference between a tumor and a cyst on the breast

Solid vs not: A cyst is a hollow space, usually filled with fluid. Tumor is a nonspecific term that refers to any lump. So, tumors can include cancer, other lumps, and sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a cyst and a tumor.

Big difference: Breast cyst is a fluid-filled sac within your breast ; is predominantly non-cancerous (benign). They don't require treatment unless large, painful or uncomfortable.In that case, draining the fluid from a breast cyst can ease your symptoms. Tumor is a solid mass of abnormal tissue. There are two types of breast tumors: benign and malignant (cancerous).See www.Nationalbreastcancer.Org/breast-tumors.

Cells vs liquid: A tumor is a collection of living tissue. A cyst is a collection of water. In layman's terms, a cyst is similar to a blister, but inside the body. Cysts can be cancer-related, but are often not. Cysts also can seem to grow quickly because the liquid is rapidly building up, when in fact no growth has occured. A cancerous cyst has less cells than a similarly sized cancerous tumor.