Lipoma - Should I Get a Biopsy?

Question

i have been to the doctor today about a lump which has been growing on my left hip/buttock, my doctor was sure it is a lipoma, i dont feel confident without getting tests done, should i get a second oppinion or an ultrasound or biopsy?

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

Anita Patel, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are typically diagnosed on history and physical exam by your doctor. Ultrasound is not useful. The only definitive way to make the diagnosis is to remove the mass and send it to pathology where they examine the specimen. You stated you won't feel comfortable without further testing. If it's something you will worry about I suggest having it removed. It is possible for lipomas to increase in size, and if it's already bothering you, you might as well have it removed. Good luck!

Gregory A. Buford, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are very common and it is rare that they are anything more than benign.  That being said, it's probably better to be safe than sorry and a pathologic diagnosis is often recommended.

Khaled El-Hoshy, MD · Answer

Usually a good physician can clinically determine the nature of the growth. However , a small punch biopsy, not necessarily a total excision, can give the definitive answer.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question.

	As my colleague, Dr. Rand indicated, most lipoma diagnoses are made by clinical examination and confirmed through tissue analysis by a pathologist. I do not necessarily see the need for another opinion or biopsy.

	Best of luck,

	Glenn Vallecillos, MD, FACS

Lipoma - Should I Get a Biopsy?

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Lipoma - Should I Get a Biopsy?

Answers (6)

Answer: Lipoma on hip

Answer: Lipoma on hip

Answer: Lipoma Diagnosis

Answer: Lipoma Diagnosis

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.