Large lipoma in my right breast - should I get more tests?

Question

A couple days ago I had a mammogram and ultrasound due to the enlargement of my right breast, (I am 19 years old). The radiologist said it was a 5-6 INCH fatty tumor called lipoma, and that it doesn't turn into anything serious and I only need it removed if I want to. Well, I read more about them and now I'm stressing myself out. With it being that large and uncomfortable, should I get a biopsy to make sure it isn't sarcoma? Thank you for any help you can give.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Lipomas are benign fatty tumors that occur under the skin and less commonly within the muscle. They are associated with mild discomfort and a lump underneath the skin. It is always best to talk to an expert plastic surgeon to determine whether the lipoma is possibly a cyst or a tumor or hernia. We would have to remove the lipoma to be sure that it is not something else and we usually do this by sending it to a pathologist for evaluation. If a lipoma is painful, then an exam is needed to make sure it is not compressing on a nerve or whether the diagnosis is different. Aftercare for a lipoma includes gentle compression and Plato’s Scar Serum twice daily on the wound.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question.  Lipomas are common, benign tumors of fat and largely do not create any serious conditions or issues.  Typically patient's seek removal if the lipoma is causing a cosmetic concern or pain which may develop if the lipoma grows in size.  The risk of it being a liposarcoma is exceedingly rare, but if it is causing your breasts to become increasingly asymmetrical it may be worth the trade off of a scar to have it permanently removed.  See a board certified plastic surgeon.

Hratch Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.Lipomas larger than 5 cm or lipomas that are enlarging or painful (symptomatic) should be excised and sent for biopsy evaluation by a pathologist.Dr Karamanoukian

Alan M. Engler, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Of course you're concerned.While lipomas are benign, any that are large or painful or rapidly-growing, or any other of a range of problems, can and probably should be removed.In particular, a rapidly-growing mass in your breast, even if it is presumed to be a lipoma, has additional concerns.You should be examined by a board-certified plastic surgeon in person.  I would most likely recommend removal for at two reasons: to exclude the possibility that it is something more dangerous, and because it is rapidly-growing enough to cause asymmetry of your breasts.I hope that this helps and good luck,Dr. Alan EnglerMember of #RealSelf100

Large lipoma in my right breast - should I get more tests?

Answers (4)

Answer: #Lipoma - Large lipoma in my right breast

Answer: #Lipoma - Large lipoma in my right breast

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Large lipoma in my right breast - should I get more tests?

Answers (4)

Answer: #Lipoma - Large lipoma in my right breast

Answer: #Lipoma - Large lipoma in my right breast

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Lipoma Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.