Could this be a lipoma or something else? (Photos)

Question

Could this be lipoma or something else? I have been told it is a Lipoma, but it seems to be so large to me and it has slightly grown over the years. I have been having headaches every day and weird sensational spots that are tender to the touch. If anything brushes up against the spots it shoots a weird pain. Those move all over. I am not sure if any of that could be related, but wanted to mention it. I have Rheumatoid Arthritis.

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 photographs.  It is definitely possible that this is a lipoma but it warrants an in-person examination to confirm the results and to offer treatment advice.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

It is possible that the mass on your back is a lipoma.  An examination of you would provide the most information in order to give you the best advice.  Lipomas can be surgically removed.

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for the post and the photos. It certainly looks like it could be a lipoma. A thorough history and physical exam as well as tissue diagnosis is the only way to know for sure. Be sure to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a full discussion and review. Hope this helps. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach FL

Jared Mallalieu, DO · Answer

Thanks for posting... Lipoma would certainly be at the top of the diagnosis list looking at the photos. Of course you won't know for sure until it is removed and a pathologist looks at it. Lipomas are very common, benign and easily removed. Best of luck, Dr. M

Could this be a lipoma or something else? (Photos)

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