I had an MRI of the back which showed a lipoma in the muscle near the spine in mid-back.

Removal or biopsy would be the next reasonable step depending upon the nature of the growth and location.Kenneth Hughes, MDBeverly Hills, CA

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of your lipoma symptoms.  Unfortunately most of your questions can not be answered without reading the MRI to specifically localize the lipoma or without having the lipoma removed to have it analyzed by a pathologist.  That said in most cases lipomas are found close to the skin surface and should not be dangerous to have removed and are benign tumors nearly 100% of the time.  Take your MRI and make a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to assess your candidacy for removal. 

By definition, a lipoma is not dangerous so from that standpoint it is not cancer.  There is a very small percentage of malignancy in growths such as these but removal or biopsy will confirm that.A lot depends on exactly where it is.  The closer it is to the spine the more you'll need a neurosurgeon; if more superficial a plastic surgeon may be appropriate.  You can speak with whichever doctor ordered the MRI for guidance on what to do next.  Make sure that your surgeon is board-certified, and don't hesitate to go for several consultations if you have any hesitations.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf500