Is this a lipoma and abscess and what is the best solution? What is the possible cause? (photo)

Question

I have had the blue lump for over 5 years. A week ago the lump started to swell and cause immense pain. Ive been told before it's a lipoma and one doctor also suggested it's a cyst but both said to leave it alone prior to last weeks pain. I started to take anti inflammatory pain killers which offered some relief. Two days ago the red lump has started to form, and both together are getting bigger and causing a lot of discomfort.

Michael A. Zadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

This is not a lipoma. It is most likely a sebaceous cyst that has become infected. You need to see a surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Best wishes.

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 photograph.  This appears to be an infected cyst which should be calmed down with antibiotics and possible drainage first, with removal of the cyst at a later point in time.  Best wishes.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It appears that you may have an infected cyst.  You need to be seen in person by a physician.  If there is an infection, that should be treated first.  After any possible infection is treated, the mass could be surgically removed.

Is this a lipoma and abscess and what is the best solution? What is the possible cause? (photo)

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