Best Course of Action for Removing Large Lipoma Near Spine?

asked 2 years ago by Sean72 in Chicago
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 5,526 times
Tags: back, male, lipoma

It's only been visually inspected by my GP and called a lipoma. I haven't had a biopsy. It's approximately 6x9cm and egg shaped. I'm a little nervous about removal because of it's proximity to my spine. Is a general or plastic surgeon still the best person to use, or should I find someone who does spinal surgeries? I've had the lipoma over 6 years and it's getting large enough now to be bothersome.

5 answers to Best Course of Action for Removing Large Lipoma Near Spine?

Lipoma Back?

I would suggest that you have the lipoma excised in the near future. You do not have to be worried about its “proximity to your spine”. A well experienced general or plastic surgeon will do just fine; the plastic surgeon may pay more attention to the resulting scar. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Large lipoma

It looks large enough to need a direct excision and submit it for pathology for examination. Because it is lage I would not recommend liposuction to remove this lipoma Design and placement of the scar is important. I am biased, I would recommend a Plastic Surgeon

Samir Shureih, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Plastic or General Surgeon for lipoma removal

There would be no need of the talents of a spinal (neurosurgeon) in this situation. Either a general surgeon or a plastic surgeon would be fine. A plastic surgeon might give you a somewhat better looking scar if this is important to you. The skin over a lipoma of this size has been stretched so much that you are likely to get a half way decent result from either type of surgeon. If the lipoma is tender you might be hosting an angiolipoma of the type that might infiltrate into the muscle... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD
Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Large Back Lipoma Management

I agree with everything stated by Dr. Rand. It probably SHOULD have been removed earlier before it reached this size. Any skilled surgeon could do it; A Plastic surgeon would probably get you a better scar. Dr. Placik in Chicago is the biggest contributor to this website and his posts demonstrate a high level of experience and intelligence. I too think you should see him. Dr. P. Aldea

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Lipoma along the spine

You might want to get an MRI to be sure it isn't infiltrating the muscle but otherwise, a plastic surgeon would be the best choice for this. Remove it sooner than later so it doesn't get bigger and become more of an issue. I would suggest you call Dr. Placik in Chicago!

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

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