Do lipomas continue to grow and should they be removed? I have a large one on my neck.

Thank you for sharing your excellent question.  In the majority of cases lipomas will grow slowly over time and should be removed if they cause patients cosmetic concerns.  The larger they grow the larger the incision required for excision.  Be sure to see an ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation.  

If there is growth or pain with growth or pain alone, it should be excised. H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Thanks for your query,well lipoma can grow over a period of time .If it is causing any discomfort ,restricted mobility or cosmetically not appealing then it can be removed .The specimen has to be sent for histopathological examination .However do consult a board certified plastic surgeon and the get it done if required.

Many lipomas are small and cause no issues nor do they grow. These can be left alone. However many lipomas do grow. If a lipoma grows or begins causing trouble- pain, discomfort or cosmetic deformity, it should be removed in the most cosmetically favorably way possible and sent to pathology for evaluation.
Good luck and take care.

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