When to Consider Lipoma Removal
If you’ve found a lipoma on your body, or a doctor has told you that you have one, your next question may be, should I get it removed?
That’s a highly individual decision, and will depend on how much the lipoma bothers or worries you. Lipomas are a common but harmless growth, found just under the skin, and show up as a soft, movable lump. That’s because they’re a small deposit of fatty cells, often a natural result of aging and most commonly found in patients between 40 and 60 years old. They are noncancerous, don’t lead to any kind of cancer, and usually do not grow much, if at all, over time.
Lipoma Removal in Windermere and Orlando
In contrast, a tumor is usually hard to the touch, doesn’t move, and grows noticeably over time. If it’s unclear whether a lump is a lipoma or a tumor, a quick biopsy or consultation with one of our providers can reveal more information. If you would like answers about your bump, Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center can schedule a consultation appointment for you at our Windermere, Florida office.
Risk factors for lipomas include having a family history of lipomas and certain medical conditions. They typically do not appear on children.
Lipomas often turn up as more than one lump at a time, and usually are on the upper body, although they can occur anywhere. This may or may not be a problem for you, as they are typically soft, movable and painless. Most people with lipomas never opt to have them removed once they are sure that’s what they are.
However, lipomas can become bothersome if they are in a very prominent place that affects your appearance, or sometimes if they are in a location that leads them to press on nerves, causing pain. Or, they may just become irritating in and of themselves, and you may wish to have them removed.
Part of lipoma removal at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center always is to test the removed tissue and be absolutely sure it is, in fact, a lipoma and nothing else. The procedure is a minor, quick and effective surgical removal, which usually results in no return of the lipoma.
Contact Us Today for an Evaluation of Your Lipoma!
If for any reason you are not sure that a lump under your skin is a lipoma, and not a tumor, you should get an immediate appointment with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist, such as Dr. Hudgens at Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center. She will be able to diagnose you quickly and provide treatment options and peace of mind.