Is this a removable lipoma? (Photo)

Question

I have had a bump at my temple for over a year, maybe a few years. Has felt soft & movable. This morning, I woke up, and it seemed a bit sore and possibly bigger. Benign lipoma?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

It may or may not be a lipoma. It may be a blocked gland or epidermal cyst. You need to get an ultrasound done to see exactly what this is. This can be easily excised under local or general anesthesia.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Robert M. Lowen, MD · Answer

I frequently see these forehead lipomas. When they are close to the hairline, I remove them with a small incision hidden in the fine hair.  If they are located more centrally on the forehead, and you don’t want to have a visible scar, I remove them endoscopically with the incision hidden behind the hairline.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your photo and describing your bump. From what you’ve described and what I can see, it does appear to be a soft, movable lump, which is often characteristic of a lipoma, a benign fatty growth.

However, a few points are important:

The fact that it has become sore or seems larger suddenly is something we take seriously. Lipomas are usually painless and slow-growing, so any change in size, tenderness, or new symptoms warrants a closer evaluation.

While most lipomas are benign, other conditions can sometimes feel similar, including cysts or other soft tissue growths.

A physical exam, and sometimes an ultrasound or imaging, can help confirm the diagnosis and determine if removal is advisable.

If it is a lipoma and causing discomfort or cosmetic concern, surgical removal is typically straightforward, but it’s best to have it examined first to ensure the safest approach.

In short, it could very well be a benign lipoma, but given the recent soreness and growth, an in-person evaluation is the safest way to confirm and discuss removal options.

Is this a removable lipoma? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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