What is the difference between Wart and Cyst?

Warts are deformed growths occurring on the skin caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They usually appear very small, hard, and rough, and they are mostly seen on the hands and feet. It should be noted that warts are not cancerous and they don't usually cause pain except for some areas of the body. Cyst, on the other hand, is a sac or pouch without opening, usually membranous and containing morbid matter, which develops in one of the natural cavities or in the substance of an organ.

Cysts can be filled with either semisolid, liquid, and even gaseous substances. Cysts can appear in different sizes; they can appear very small and at the same time very big. Since cysts occur mostly in the tissue, they can be formed anywhere in the body, as well outside the body. There are types of cysts and warts that do not show any symptoms, but brain cysts and breast cysts can result in pain.

Common warts are grainy skin growths that occur most often on your fingers or hands, and they are coarse to touch. They also often feature a pattern of little black dots, which are small, clotted blood vessels. Warts are viral and can spread by touch. They are flesh-colored, white, pink, or tan, and can be caused by HPV. Most forms sit on top of the skin; however, there are plantar warts which are below the surface of the skin, on the feet and are very painful.

A cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and division linked with nearby tissue. It is a cluster of cells grouped to form a sac, which may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material. Cysts contain dead skin cells that build up and can become infected. If a cyst fails to heal, it may have to be removed surgically.