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?

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 (1)

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