Lipoma lower back pain - could they be pressing on a nerve? (Photo)

Question

Lower back pain and have two lipomas in the area. Wonder if they could be pressing on a nerve. Previously had one very deep in elbow joint, not visible from outside. Doc said no problem but I insisted on removal and pain went away. So the ones in my back make me suspicious.

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

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Considerate217399,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. Generally speaking, lipomas are located far away from nerves so they don't cause back pain. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Lipoma lower back pain - could they be pressing on a nerve? (Photo)

Answers (2)