Multiple lumps in forearm - should I consider lipoma removal?

Question

I am a 35-year-old male and over the past 8 years I have noticed lumps under my skin, started with one on the forearm that has double in size (compression on the arm makes me think that perhaps there are two very close to the each other). Another pop up about 2 years ago and is growing. Recently, I felt another tiny one, all three in close proximity. I physically examine myself and found another on my back and another on the left side of my abdomen. Kindly advise on what I should do next.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

You need to be physically evaluated to make sure there isn't something else going on other than lipomas.  You may also have the lumps removed if determined they are just lipomas.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

From your description, the lumps you are noticing are most consistent with lipomas, which are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fatty tissue. They are typically soft, mobile under the skin, and tend to grow slowly over time. It is also possible to develop multiple lipomas in different areas of the body, as you’ve described on your forearm, back, and abdomen.

When to Consider Removal:

If the lipomas are causing pain or discomfort

If they are pressing on nerves or limiting movement

If there is rapid growth or change in consistency

If they become aesthetic concerns

If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, especially if one feels different from the others

What to Do Next:

A clinical examination is usually enough to diagnose a lipoma, but sometimes imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended if the lesion is deep, firm, or atypical.

If removal is considered, it is typically done as a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia. The excised tissue can then be sent for pathology to confirm the diagnosis.

In rare cases, if a lump grows unusually fast, becomes hard, or is fixed to deeper tissues, further evaluation is important to rule out other conditions such as liposarcoma.

Overall, most lipomas are harmless and only need removal if they are bothersome or show concerning features.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. Lipomas can be removed easily through very small cuts only a few millimetres long. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best.

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

Multiple lumps in forearm - should I consider lipoma removal?

Answers (4)

Answer: A lipoma removal can be done to avoid any future discomfort.

Answer: A lipoma removal can be done to avoid any future discomfort.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Multiple lumps in forearm - should I consider lipoma removal?

Answers (4)

Answer: A lipoma removal can be done to avoid any future discomfort.

Answer: A lipoma removal can be done to avoid any future discomfort.

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.