There is a problem with your terminology. You are using opposite terms. "Cupping" is a depression in the optic nerve head. Most people have cupped discs and its normal. Increase in cupping can be a sign of glaucoma. Cupping is like a hole as it gets bigger it moves away from the front of the eye "cornea" "swollen optic disc" is just that. instead of the optic nerve being at the same level as the retina is is like a pile of dirt. It goes the opposite way of a hole and moves optic nerve tissue closer to the cornea.
If you are a medical student this forum is not a place to be learning medical grade ophthalmology.
JCH MD