Do I have a lipoma or something else?

Question

I am a male (22) with a small lump in my left chest which 2 doctors have said is lipoma. I have had it for 6 months and it's seems grow slowly but is recently more tender to the touch. The lump is no bigger than the size of a nickel, is firm but seems to slightly move around. I have no other pain or symptoms.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

It seems that there is clinical evidence to suggest that it is a lipoma. However, subcutaneous lumps can also be caused by other tumors or cysts. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

It's very difficult to say what you have without specifically and personally examining you or at least looking at photos. Certainly from the symptoms that you give, this can be a lipoma.I wish you the best. Dr. Gabbay.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without a photograph or an in-person examination, it is difficult to make a diagnosis.  Lipomas are quite common and can be found in the chest, and they do grow slowly, occasionally becoming painful.  There are many other causes of similar symptoms, however, such as cysts, neurofibromas, dermatofibromas, etc.  Best to see a physician with experience in handling lipomas who can confirm the diagnosis clinically or can perform an ultrasound for a radiological confirmation.

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It would not be possible for any of us to say with enough certainty exactly what it is that you have - you'll need to rely on the opinions and advice of the doctors who can see and examine you in person.Lipomas are generally soft and slowly-growing, but a variant - called an angiolipoma - is more typically firmer and can be painful, particularly when it grows in a confined area, such as against a bone or in a tight space (surrounded by muscle and bone).Removal of the lipoma usually brings a dramatic relief of symptoms, to the extent that they were there preoperatively.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100@RealSelf

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