Should I Be Concerned if a Lipoma is Painful?

Question

I have multiple lipomas along my rib cage. Recently the one under my ribcage is very painful, to the point where it is disrupting my sleep. When I get them examined, the doctor usually just goes ah ha,...just a lipoma, don't worry about it, they don't hurt. This one does and the other ones at various times will ache. I went to an endocrinologist because I have nodules and a goiter in my thyroid and mentioned it but no one seems to be concerned.

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

Most  lipomas are benign, the ones that are painful are either growing or are in sensitive locations and should probably be removed. I would recommend you find a board-certified plastic surgeon by the American Board of plastic surgery who has an extensive experience in lipoma removal. Best Regards,Dr. Gartner

Harlow Hollis, MD · Answer

yes is the short answer for being concerned. Lipomas are benign. They are non-malignant. They only need to be removed if they are causing you any kinds of difficulties such as being close to where your belt line may be or any other garment that you wear or in a location that interferes with your life in anyway. Since you were having discomfort from a lipoma I would get it excised.Excision usually can be done under local anaesthetic and sometimes in the doctors office. It is a simple procedure. They come out easily once the incision is made down to the lipoma itself.When it is removedyou will have achieved a couple of goals. The pain should be gone and you’ll know that you have nothing to worry about

Garrett Nelson, MD · Answer

Lipomas can occasionally become tender.  In addition, angiolipomas are a variant of lipomas that are often tender.  
Lipomas are generally straightforward to remove if causing pain or discomfort.  Dermatologic surgeons remove these routinely in the outpatient setting with local anesthesia.

Elan B. Singer, MD · Answer

It is rare for lipomas to cause intense pain.  If anything, they can sometimes cause discomfort, but usually, they are just a nuisance.  If you are having discomfort/pain, you should go back to your doctor.  There is no harm in getting lipomas removed--the best person for this is a general surgeon or plastic surgeon.  Good luck!

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	This particular lipoma may be pressing on a nerve and that's the cause of pain.  Or else it is not a lipoma.  Since it is causing symptoms, it would make sense to remove it.

Should I Be Concerned if a Lipoma is Painful?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lipomas can hurt

Answer: Lipomas can hurt

Answer: Lipomas are generally not painful.

Answer: Lipomas are generally not painful.

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Should I Be Concerned if a Lipoma is Painful?

Answers (5)

Answer: Lipomas can hurt

Answer: Lipomas can hurt

Answer: Lipomas are generally not painful.

Answer: Lipomas are generally not painful.

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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.