Lipoma on rib cage - can I get this removed? (Photo)

Question

I have what I was told was a lipoma on my rib cage a few years back. Fast forward I am now dealing with digestive issues and heart rate problems & discomfort a bit when I’m in certain positions. Can I get this removed?? Will it help me or is it worth it?

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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You need to have this evaluated as this may not be a lipoma.  An ultrasound can be done or MRI scan to determine exactly what it is.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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