RIb pain and a soft lump that hurts when touched, is this a lipoma?

Question

Had it for 2 weeks now. It’s growing and hurts

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.  Unfortunately without being able to feel your tissues it is impossible to comment on what the diagnosis of your mass is.  Most commonly lipomas are present just under the skin surface and "spongy" in character.  I would reach out to a local ASPS board certified plastic surgeon in consultation to help treat your new mass.  Hope this helps.

Anthony J. Taglienti, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The short answer is, it's hard to be certain. Typically Lipomas are a bit more slow-growing, and usually have the consistency of a rubber ball. They can be right under the skin, or a bit deeper. They are usually roundish and tend to grow slowly - while they can be somewhat uncomfortable if touched, they usually don't cause frank pain. Your best bet is to have an examination first with your PCP and go from there - if a diagnosis can't be made by physical examination and obtaining your history, then you may need imaging (like an ultrasound or a CT scan). Best of luck!

RIb pain and a soft lump that hurts when touched, is this a lipoma?

Answers (3)

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