My lipoma is on my middle left leg/upper thigh. Golf ball sized and no pain.

Question

My doctor of 20 years said don't remove it. Why would he say no remove?

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thanks for your question! Lipomas are benign soft-tissue tumors that usually grow over time.  Lipomas do not need to be removed, however if they begin to bother you aesthetically or become too large/painful, I would recommend removal by an experienced dermatologist or surgeon.  I suggest an in-person consultation...best of luck!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Lipomas are benign tumors in that they do not cause cancer or other health issues.  Given enough time, however, they can grow to either cause pain or an appearance issue.  If the lipoma is as large as it sounds, best to have it removed with a small in-office procedure.

Lawrence Kass, MD · Answer

Your doctor is providing you with a legitimate medical opinion when he advises that you not remove the golf sized lipoma in your thigh if there is no pain.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this opinion.  But, it is just an opinion.  If the lipoma bothers you because of difficulty wearing pants or for a cosmetic reason, I would encourage you to consult with a local surgeon with experience in removing lipomas who might provide you with a different opinion.  Good luck!

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your post. Most lipomas are benign masses that do not require you to have them removed. So if you do not want it removed, keep an eye on it. If it bothers you or it grows in size, give stronger consideration to have it removed.Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach, FL

Pablo Garcia, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

If you notice a lump or swelling on your body, you should have a doctor check it out. They can tell whether it’s a harmless lipoma or something that needs more tests.

Angelina Postoev, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Good afternoon. I hear that opinion a lot from medical primary doctors. Don't remove it if does not bother you, don't fix a hernia if does not cause pain, etc. The problem with that opinion is that it will start bothering you when it becomes larger and to remove it will need a bigger scar, potentially becoming a more involved procedure. It is not an emergency, but I would recommend thinking about it.

My lipoma is on my middle left leg/upper thigh. Golf ball sized and no pain.

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