Lipoma or Cyst?

I have a growth now for over 10 years. When I went to the doctor he told me it was a cyst and that I should not worry about it unless it hurts. . I have 2 from trauma to my ribs from my brother jabbing/prodding me unexpectedly; repeatedly when I was 15. Each started where the lowest rib begin and has spread laterally but adjacent to the lowest ribs on each side so they are large and cause discomfort. I'm concerned with bleeding as I do not accept blood should I be worried about death?

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by jxt8k

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (1)

Removal of Cysts and Lipomas

Whether a lipoma or a cyst, either can usually be removed easily with minimal blood loss in most patients. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic or general surgeon for consultation. At that time they will go over potential problems and their incidence. Depending on the size it can be done in the office under local anesthesia or with IV sedation or general anesthetic if done in a certified surgery center or hospital.

Lipoma or Cyst removal do not require blood

A lipoma consists of benign fatty tissue and is different then a cyst. The difference between a cyst and a lipoma may be diagnosed typically upon a direct examination. Lipomas can be easily removed with local anesthesia and typically heal very well with minimal discomfort and downtime. Since I have my own operating facility these are typically removed in the facility either with local anesthesia or if larger and may be uncomfortable then with local anesthesia and light sedation by the... more

Michael Elam, MD

83 reviews

Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

michaelelammd.com

Lipoma or Cyst

These are two entirely different entities. An epidermal inclusion cyst ( sometimes referred to as a follicular cyst) is caused when there is irritation to the follicle opening. This causes cells to proliferate and the opening becomes clogged. The keratin which normally fills the follicle and is emitted to smooth the skin, cannot escape and begins to pile up, ballooning out the follicle wall. Sometimes, these are referred to as a "sebaceous cyst". This is a misnomer for a number of reasons:... more

Arnold R. Oppenheim, MD

6 reviews

Virginia Beach Dermatologist

Lipoma? Cyst?

A lipoma is a fatty cyst. When you see it, it sort of resembles a brain, as it's a pocket of fatty tissue. A cyst, in the traditional sense, is more liquid inside a sac. You shouldn't be worried about death in either case and either one can be removed by a dermatologic surgeon. If they are causing you discomfort you should definitely get them removed, especially if they are getting bigger or growing.