I have a lipoma on the left side of rib cage. Started off as a little bump, now it’s huge. Should I get the surgery? (photo)

Question

You can kinda see it threw my shirt . It’s very uncomfortable. That’s what I hate about it .

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

Afshin Farzadmehr, MD · Answer

I have seen and treated many lipomas in that area and even larger than yours.  I do liposuction for lipomas in that area which do have tendency to grow larger.  Advantage NO SCAR.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph.  As the lipoma has grown to a size that it causes you discomfort, I would be in favor of you having it removed.  Though benign you can anticipate the lipoma to continue to grow with time if you elect to watch it.  Hope this helps.

I have a lipoma on the left side of rib cage. Started off as a little bump, now it’s huge. Should I get the surgery? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

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I have a lipoma on the left side of rib cage. Started off as a little bump, now it’s huge. Should I get the surgery? (photo)

Answers (3)

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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.