Lipoma on neck affecting nerves (Photos)

Question

I have a rather large lipoma at the base of my neck. I had it examined by a specialist to confirm it to be a lipoma. It is approximately 2½" and has affected the nerves in my arms, it has recently caused constant discomfort in my neck. I do not have insurance and I am concerned about nerve damage that could result from being removed. My question is that can a lipoma be removed thru liposuction with the least evasive damage to the nerves. Thank you for any reassurance you can offer.

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 question and I am sorry to hear of your neck and arm symptoms.  I would recommend seeing an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to discuss your symptoms and to have an in-person examination performed.  Lipomas can often be removed in a small office-based procedure but liposuction is often avoided as complete clearance of the lipoma can not be assured.   Hope this helps.

Samir Shureih, MD · Answer

Assuming this mass is a lipoma of the back/neck area, with the symptoms you are describing relating to the nerves of the upper extremity. This lipoma/mass need further study by a neurologist and a Plastic surgeon specializing in hand surgery.Will need an MRI, and nerve conduction studies before doing anything.

Lipoma on neck affecting nerves (Photos)

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