When should a lipoma be removed?
Lipomas are harmless, fatty tumors that can form under the skin. They are usually painless and do not require treatment. However, a doctor can surgically remove a lipoma if it is causing pain or other symptoms, or if the person wants to get rid of it for cosmetic reasons. Fatty tumors can be benign or cancerous.
Can you leave lipoma untreated?
While lipomas are small and harmless, liposarcomas are a form of sarcoma, or malignant growth. They typically occur deeper within the body, and if left untreated, they can grow larger and spread to other parts of the body. They are often painful, swollen, and might lead to changes in weight.
Is lipoma removal medically necessary?
Lipomas: Excision is considered medically necessary if lipomas are tender and inhibit the member’s ability to perform daily activities due to the lipomas’ location on body parts that are subject to regular touch or pressure.
Can a lipoma turn cancerous?
Cancerous tumours of the fat cells are called liposarcomas. They are a type of soft tissue sarcoma. It is very rare for lipomas to turn into a cancerous sarcoma. It is still important to tell your doctor if your lipoma changes in any way or if you get any new lumps.
Is lipoma removal painful?
After your lipoma or cyst is removed, you may experience some discomfort for a few days in the treatment area. And if the cyst or lipoma is located in your scalp, you may experience tension headaches.
How long is the recovery period after lipoma removal?
Recovery time from lipoma surgery varies depending on the size and location of the lipoma. Typically speaking, lipomas on the body will require 2 weeks of sutures which then require removal, although the scar continues to heal and improve for many months afterward.
Do lipomas continue to grow and should they be removed?
Because lipomas are generally painless and harmless, they often don’t require treatment unless the individual wants them removed for cosmetic reasons. For routine cases, doctors might just want to keep an eye on the growths to make sure they don’t continue to grow too large or otherwise become problematic.
What kind of doctor should I See for lipoma removal?
Plastic surgeons in general prioritize scar quality and thus are often considered the primary choice for lipoma removal by most patients. Any doctor that can perform surgery should be well versed in how to remove a lipoma. For your specific locations, I would recommend seeing a general surgeon.
Is it possible to regrow removed lipoma?
Yes. If the sheath surrounding the lipoma under the skin is not removed entirely, the chance of the lipoma reccuring is much higher. But, generally, if the surgeon removes the entire covering, the chances of it coming back are very slim. Thanks!