Regarding a Lipoma - remove now or wait?

Question

I have a Lipoma on my left arm right near my elbow. It does not hurt and it is not very obvious is it necessary to have it removed or wait if it gets larger? I guess I am concerned about ignoring it. Thank you.

Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

As long as there are no symptoms, the decision to remove the lipoma is purely a cosmetic one.  Unfortunately, lipomas have a propensity to grow. If you think this will bother you in the future, it's better to remove it sooner rather than later to avoid a longer scar. All the best,Carlos Mata, MD, MBA, FACSBoard-Certified Plastic Surgeon

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 excellent question.  A lipoma is a benign tumor of fat cells and needs not be removed if it is not causing you any issues.  That said, lipomas do tend to grow with time, often leading to a longer incision than if removed when small.  Hope this helps.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

If it is causing numbness or tingling going down the forearm, it needs to be resected. H Karamanoukian MD FACS

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

A lipoma does not need to be removed unless there is doubt about the diagnosis. It is usual to leave small lipomas unless there is a cosmetic reason to remove it.
However if it is growing, painful, or causing other symptoms then it usual remove them.
If it does not bother you and  a definite diagnosis has been made it can be left alone. If with time it is changing or obviously growing then probably need to consider having it removed.

Regarding a Lipoma - remove now or wait?

Answers (5)

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