I have a lipoma under my armpit and sometimes it gets really itchy and annoying. Is this normal for a lipoma?

Question

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  In some instances a lipoma can irritate a surrounding nerve which could cause these symptoms.  Alternatively it would be important to rule out breast tissue as being the cause.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur under the skin and less commonly within the muscle. They are associated with mild discomfort and a lump underneath the skin. It is always best to talk to an expert plastic surgeon to determine whether the lipoma is possibly a cyst or a tumor or hernia. We would have to remove the lipoma to be sure that it is not something else and we usually do this by sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. If a lipoma is painful, then an exam is needed to make sure it is not compressing on a nerve or whether the diagnosis is different. Aftercare for a lipoma includes gentle compression and Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on the wound.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Lipomas are not normally itchy. That is not to say they could never be but it would be unusual. They can be tender particularly angio-lipomas.I would question if your lump is a lipoma. Could it be an epidermal cyst for example which are more commonly itchy especially if they are becoming infected.Without examining you it is not possible to give you personalised advice. I suggest you see your GP for advice.Best wishes.

I have a lipoma under my armpit and sometimes it gets really itchy and annoying. Is this normal for a lipoma?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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I have a lipoma under my armpit and sometimes it gets really itchy and annoying. Is this normal for a lipoma?

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.