Lipomas: see-through and not see-through

Question

Good afternoon, doctors. So, I asked a question a bit ago about whether or not lipomas are transilluminescent. With the knowledge that they aren't, I decided to check some of the other lumps on my body that were diagnosed as lipomas via an ultrasound, and it looks as though they are transparent, but of a similar texture. I was wondering if these could be something a bit more worrisome than lipomas, and I was also curious if an ultrasound could mix up a lipoma with another type of lump. Thanks!

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your follow up question.  Other masses that can be picked up on ultrasound would be cyst-like masses which are also benign lesions.  Lipomas would appear similar to the other fatty tissue present just underneath the skin.  Hope this helps.

Leslie Memsic, MD, FACS · Answer

Ultrasounds can pick up a lot of things that one doesn't really need to find. Translucent masses are generally fluid filled cysts and non cancerous. Solid skin and subcutaneous lesions may be lipomas if they are fatty or can be benign masses such as sebacious (or epidermoid) cysts. If a mass isn't growing, or causing pain or discomfort, they can be left alone. Good luck and take care.

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