To remove or not remove a scalp lipoma?

In general, a lipoma - which, by definition, is a benign growth that therefore does not have to be removed for strictly medical reasons - is removed for aesthetic and/or functional reasons.  Lipomas may be unsightly, leading to the desire to have them removed, or they may cause discomfort, leading to the same outcome.  That can be because they are withing muscles, and are "traumatized" with muscle movement, or they can be in locations that are traumatized with movement.In your father's case, having a large lipoma could be causing discomfort on its own, which is enough justification to have it removed.  I'm not sure it's related to the neck pain - that should be assessed separately.Once the full assessment is complete you can decide whether or not the lipoma's removal is warranted.  My guess is that at 3 inches it's already at a size where removal, if otherwise safe and appropriate, would provide your father with relief of symptoms.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of RealSelf100