Lipoma or Cyst? How can it be removed? (Photos)

Question

African Black Male Aged 40 years. Height 6/4 Weight 85kgs. Wanten know if my forehead bump is a lipoma or a Cyst.

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 Lee Novick, MD · Answer

FORGIVE THE CAPS. THERE IS A GLITCH IN PROGRAM.
FROM THE PHOTOS IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO DISTINGUISH ONE FROM THE OTHER. DIRECT EXAMINATION THAT ALLOWS PALPATION AND MANIPULATION WOULD HELP TO DISTINGUISH THE TWO.
REGARDLESS, BOTH CAN TYPICALLY  BE TREATED BY A MINIMAL INCISION TECHNIQUE IN WHICH THE CONTENTS CAN BE EXTRACTED THROUGH A VERY SMALL INCISION MADE FOLLOWING LOCAL ANESTHESIA.AND THE RESULTING SURFACE WOUND LEFT TO HEAL WITHOUT SUTURES OR WITH THE PLACEMENT OF MINIMAL SUTURES. YOU WOULD BE WISE TO MAKE SURE TO CONSULT WITH AN EXPERIENCED, BOARD CERTIFIED COSMETIC DERMATOLOGIST AND BEST OF LUCK.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hello,

Thank you for sending the photos and providing your details. Based on what you’ve shared, the bump on your forehead could be either a lipoma (a benign fatty growth) or a cyst (a fluid-filled sac). It’s difficult to determine the exact type just from a photo, as both can appear similar.

Generally:

Lipomas tend to be soft, movable, and usually painless.

Cysts can sometimes feel firmer or have a central point, and may become inflamed or tender if irritated or infected.

Both lipomas and cysts can be safely removed if desired, typically through a minor in-office procedure under local anesthesia. The exact method depends on size, depth, and location. After removal, tissue can be sent for examination to confirm the diagnosis.

It’s important to note that while these are almost always benign, proper evaluation ensures safe and effective removal.

Lipoma or Cyst? How can it be removed? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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