Confirmed lipoma but increasing in size - should I have it checked again? What would removal entail? (Photos)

Question

I’ve had this lump on my armpit from the age of 18 but was a tiny little lump at first, over the years it’s grown significantly in size and is around 4/5cm (confirmed by hospital) but recently seems to have grown again. Rubs against clothes, catches and regularly get painful sores and rashes from this. I have been cleared from the breast clinic and revealed it was a lipoma. Is it worth getting it checked out again? If I looked at removal, would it be a bigger procedure due to the size?

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

I have removed lipomas in this location before. It can be done despite the large size. The surgery is not very complicated as the lipoma does not go very deep into muscles etc. If it grows fast then it is important to remove the lipoma and send for biopsy to make sure that it is benign. Watch the video below to understand it better.
Regards
Dr Janjua

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

A lipoma can be removed under local anesthesia in a doctor's office or you can have general anesthesia in a surgery center or hospital.  It usually take less than 1 hour to perform.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Suleyman Koken, MD · Answer

From your description and photos, this could be called an "accessory or ectopic breast tissue" rather than a typical lipoma. If it is bothersome, it can be surgically removed through a small incision in the armpit.
This is generally a straightforward procedure that can be done under local anesthesia. The recovery is usually quick, with minimal downtime, and the scar is well hidden in the natural crease of the armpit.
Given that you’ve noticed recent growth and discomfort, it would be a good idea to have it checked again before scheduling removal, just to confirm the diagnosis and plan the best approach.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

While lipomas are benign fatty tumors, any noticeable increase in size—especially if accompanied by discomfort, irritation, or recurrent rashes—warrants reevaluation. Although malignant transformation is rare, a clinical review (and in some cases, imaging or biopsy) can help rule out other possibilities such as a liposarcoma or confirm that it remains a simple lipoma.

Removal Considerations:

Size and Location: A 4–5 cm lipoma in the armpit area may require a slightly larger incision for complete removal, especially to ensure all fatty tissue is excised and to minimize recurrence.

Procedure Type: Surgical excision under local anesthesia is most common, though larger or deeper lipomas may require sedation or general anesthesia.

Recovery: Typically involves a few stitches, mild post-operative discomfort, and a short healing period. Friction in the armpit area may make aftercare more important to prevent infection.

Scarring: The incision is usually placed to minimize visible scarring, but some scar tissue is inevitable.

Summary:
Yes, it is worth having it checked again given the increase in size and recurring irritation. Removal is generally a straightforward procedure, but size and location may make the surgery slightly more involved than for smaller lipomas.

Confirmed lipoma but increasing in size - should I have it checked again? What would removal entail? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Reevaluation of a Growing Lipoma:

Answer: Reevaluation of a Growing Lipoma:

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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Confirmed lipoma but increasing in size - should I have it checked again? What would removal entail? (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Reevaluation of a Growing Lipoma:

Answer: Reevaluation of a Growing Lipoma:

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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.