Best Surgeon and Method for Removal of Lipoma at Base of Neck?

asked 10 months ago by MsPia in Capital Region, NY
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 278 times
Tags: doctor referral, nerve damage, technique, worried

I've had lipoma approx. 15 years w/no issues. Last year growing and more painful - appears to be interfering with neck nerves (dizziness, sharp shooting pains, etc.). MRI reads: "mild mass effect upon the posterior upper neck muscles". I am concerned with nerve damage during removal, so I want the best type of surgeon for this type of lipoma removal. I am not concerned about cosmetics (back and base of neck, under my hair). It is 6.1 X 7.7 X 2.4 Cm. Thank you!!

5 answers to Best Surgeon and Method for Removal of Lipoma at Base of Neck?

Nek lipoma

I personally would see a very experienced head and neck surgeon ( Otolaryngologist ) who does extensive neck surgery cases.

Richard Galitz, MD
Miami Facial Plastic Surgeon

Lipoma Neck?

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, I think you will be okay with a well-trained board-certified General Surgeon, ENT or Plastic Surgeon. In this case, I think the “quality” of the surgeon ( as opposed to the specialty) is what you should base your due diligence research on. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Neck lipoma removal

Your question is significant because it raises, for me, the question of the distinction between the "best" way to remove the lipoma versus the way that will be covered by your insurance. It depends upon your goal. Liposuction offers a very small incision, quick recovery and limited scarring. However, there are two downsides. First, I know of no insurance carrier which will authorize lipoma removal via this approach. Second, there is a risk of regrowth... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Lipoma removal from neck

Either a general surgeon, plastic surgeon or Ent should be experienced enough to remove the lipoma. lipomas of the neck do act a little differently as some dont come with a pseudocapsule making them a little more difficult to remove. located in the posterior neck there arent as many important nerves like in the front of the neck. mostly just sensory nerves.

Timothy Mountcastle, MD
Ashburn General Surgeon

www.MountcastlePlasticSurgery.com

Best surgeon for removal of neck lipoma

I would ask your primary doctor, or whomever ordered the MRI, to help direct you. General surgeons typically do lipoma excisions. A neurosurgeon or orthopedic spine specialist would be needed for resection of a mass embedded at the spine, but a lipoma causing a mass effect on the muscles would not usually require their involvement.

Stacey Whitehead, MD
Council Bluffs General Surgeon

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