I have a lipoma on my upper buttock outside my right hip, that causes discomfort when active. What should I do?

Question

at rest or light/short effort...there is no discomfort. .when I work the hip, say going on a hike, after a 1/4-1/2 mile the hip starts to ache. in the vicinity of the mass. This affects my activities. I've had this issue for >10 yr. Finally went to the doctor and they said...oh, its cosmetic and will leave a dimple if we remove it. they didn't care about the chronic discomfort, and advise I do nothing...

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

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You should consult a plastic surgeon if you want it removed.  Lipomas are usually quite superficial and can be removed under local anesthesia with very little down time.

Randy Wong, MD · Answer

Symptoms, such as pain, beyond than the simple mass effect of a lipoma may be considered indications for removal.  This may or may not be covered by your insurance carrier, but best to have a qualified surgeon determine the likelihood of pain relief after removal.  Even after such masses are excised, know that some will continue to cause discomfort.

Aisha McKnight Baron, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Lipoma's are fatty tissue growths that are completely benign and treatment generally isn't necessary, but if it is bothersome, painful, or growing rapidly, I do suggest  surgical removal. I would advised that you have a Plastic Surgeon or Dermatologist take a second look at it, typically after removal there shouldn't be any indentations.Hopefully this has helped you with your decision.

Kristin A. Boehm, MD · Answer

Some lipomas are asymptomatic and don't necessarily require removal.  If you are experiencing discomfort due to the bulk of the tumor, surgical excision can be performed.  Options can include direct removal or in some cases, depending on the size of the lipoma, liposuction can be performed using a smaller incision.  Consider consulting a general or plastic surgeon about these options.

I have a lipoma on my upper buttock outside my right hip, that causes discomfort when active. What should I do?

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