Lipoma vs double chin? (Photo)

Question

Ive had this hard lump directly under my chin slowly getting larger over the last few years. It is easily moved side to side by a gentle nudge and it doesnt hurt. I’m quite small (5’3 / 120 lbs) and it just wont go away no matter what i do. Im very active and only 21. I feel silly seeing my doctor about cosmetic issues but ive been doing some reading and im concerned it might be a lipoma. Just based on this photo do you think i should see my doctor about this?

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photograph. I would advocate you seeing your physician/surgeon for an in-person examination as this appears to be a mass that would be amenable to surgical removal compared to a double chin.  This is especially true as the mass has been growing over time.  Hope this helps.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

This should definitely not be ignored especially silly if it is growing.  It may well be a lipoma but the only way to be sure is to hVe it removed.  Your surgeon may want to get an MRI ahead of time to rule out anything other than it being a simple lipoma.  Excision could be done under local anesthesia by  a plastic surgeon.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  From your description and photo, it is unlikely that this is a lipoma or a "double chin".  The most likely culprits would be plunging ranula (clogged floor of mouth salivary gland leading to large cyst), dermoid cyst, or thyroglossal duct cyst.  Physical exam and or imaging is necessary to differentiate.  The good news is that each of those are treatable and the mass will be gone afterwards.  Each of these are benign conditions.  Obviously, there are even more rare possibilities, so see a good ear, nose and throat doctor who can evaluate you.  Best of luck!

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

I would suggest that you do see a physician so that you can be examined in person.  The lump under your neck appears to be something other than a double chin.  It is possible that this mass can be surgically removed.

Lipoma vs double chin? (Photo)

Answers (4)

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