Fairly deep lipoma under jawline. How fast can they grow? How safe is removal from the area mine is in? Now it's getting larger

Question

50 y/o male on Xarelto. 5 months ago diagnosed with lipoma that had formed under right jawline within a week. After an examination I had a contrast CT scan.The finding from the CT scan was " FINDINGS: The area of palpable marker corresponds to a region of prominent fat between the right submandibular gland and sternocleidomastoid muscle, most likely representing a lipoma". Is it possible for lipoma to form that fast? My next step is to see a plastic surgeon. Any insights would be appreciated.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

Lipomas are benign entities, considering that you are on a blood thinner which complicates surgery, it is best to just monitor it with yearly ultrasounds to make sure it is not growing. If it starts growing then have it removed. It is not difficult but given the precarious location next to important nerves, have an Otolaryngologist-Head & Neck Surgeon with experience remove it or a facial plastic surgeon. RegardsDr. J

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

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  It is possible for lipomas to grow to a noticeable size fairly quickly but what is important is that you have obtained the relevant testing to confirm its likely diagnosis.  Without seeing the CT scan it is difficult to offer definite advice but this is an area where caution with dissection is required due to an important nerve overlying the submandibular gland.  Hope this helps.

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi,Lipomas can grow at different rates. I would recommend also considering general surgeon or ENT surgeon for that area, and make sure the specimen gets sent to the pathology lab after resection. It is hard to imagine the lump without feeling it or seeing pictures though.

Fairly deep lipoma under jawline. How fast can they grow? How safe is removal from the area mine is in? Now it's getting larger

Answers (4)

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