I've had a golf size lipoma located on my upper back just below my neck for at least 15 years. It has never given me any problems and doctors have said, there is no reason to remove it. But last week it started swelling, red & infection (I consistently run a low grade fever 99-101). I for sure want it removed now but I doubt surgery is possible without eliminating the infection & swelling. What would be my next step? Visit general MD to clear infection with referral to dermatologist for removal?
Answer: Lipoma temoval I don’t think it’s a lipoma. It looks like an infected sebaceous cyst. It needs to be drained and then packed. It will then heal over the course of a few weeks.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Lipoma temoval I don’t think it’s a lipoma. It looks like an infected sebaceous cyst. It needs to be drained and then packed. It will then heal over the course of a few weeks.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 30, 2018
Answer: THINK INFECTED SEBACEOUS CYST Those photos are more suggestive of an infected sebaceous cyst. If so, this would require incision and drainage and antibiotics. These get painful as they progress. In ancient times they could spontaneously rupture and heal, or remain contained and lead to septicemia and death. Lancing was the treatment, hopefully before septicemia set in. Lancing with antibiotics has improved outcomes since the advent of Penicillin around WWII. After the infection resolves, the cyst wall remnants may have to be removed.Antibiotics without drainage is not prudent.
Helpful
July 30, 2018
Answer: THINK INFECTED SEBACEOUS CYST Those photos are more suggestive of an infected sebaceous cyst. If so, this would require incision and drainage and antibiotics. These get painful as they progress. In ancient times they could spontaneously rupture and heal, or remain contained and lead to septicemia and death. Lancing was the treatment, hopefully before septicemia set in. Lancing with antibiotics has improved outcomes since the advent of Penicillin around WWII. After the infection resolves, the cyst wall remnants may have to be removed.Antibiotics without drainage is not prudent.
Helpful
July 16, 2018
Answer: Inflamed infected lipoma It is unusual for a lipoma to become infected and inflamed. It is more common for a cyst to become infected. The mass below your neck and on your upper back may or may not be a lipoma. I would recommend that you see a doctor and it is likely that antibiotics will be needed. If that does not lead to improvement, it is also possible that the infection would need to be drained if there is fluid present. The mass could be removed after the infection is cleared.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 16, 2018
Answer: Inflamed infected lipoma It is unusual for a lipoma to become infected and inflamed. It is more common for a cyst to become infected. The mass below your neck and on your upper back may or may not be a lipoma. I would recommend that you see a doctor and it is likely that antibiotics will be needed. If that does not lead to improvement, it is also possible that the infection would need to be drained if there is fluid present. The mass could be removed after the infection is cleared.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
Answer: Infected cyst
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
Answer: Infected cyst
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
July 25, 2018
Answer: Infection Thank you for your post. It is unlikely a lipoma as they usually do not get infected, It may be a cyst and removed once the infection clears. Hope this helps.Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
July 25, 2018
Answer: Infection Thank you for your post. It is unlikely a lipoma as they usually do not get infected, It may be a cyst and removed once the infection clears. Hope this helps.Sincerely,Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins MD Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Miami/Miami Beach
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
