Is it normal to have lipoma in your calf?

Question

I have a lump in my calf. I went to the hospital and we thought it was a blood clot. We did an ultrasound and it wasn't. Dr said it's a lipoma of left lower extremity. It hurts when I touch it. My left ear won't pop either could that be from the lipoma?? I'm scared cause I've never had this before.

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

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Lipomas are pockets of fat that can develop anywhere in the body.  Though they are largely benign, they can grow to cause pain or discomfort for some patients. It is not causing your ear symptoms, but can be easily treated with an office based procedure.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.

Soumo Banerji, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I can understand your concern about having a lump in your calf and what effects it may have on your body.  Lipomas are extremely common, often found under the skin and sometimes within muscles.  It is an area where the fat, instead of being evenly distributed, has collected and deposited in a ball.  It is a benign process, often without symptoms, or may cause local discomfort or irritation.  It is unrelated to symptoms not in its general vicinity, so your left ear is more likely due to your sinuses or a cold.  I recommend that you follow up with your doctor if you have any further questions or concerns.  You can also discuss removal if it is causing you symptoms, and what the risks/benefits would entail.  Hope that helps!

Is it normal to have lipoma in your calf?

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Is it normal to have lipoma in your calf?

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