Lipoma

To diagnose a lipoma, your doctor may perform:

• A physical exam
• A tissue sample removal (biopsy) for lab examination
• An X-ray or other imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be deeper than the fatty

There's a very small chance that a lump resembling a lipoma may actually be a form of cancer called liposarcoma. Liposarcomas — cancerous tumors in fatty tissues — grow rapidly, don't move under the skin and are usually painful. A biopsy or an MRI or CT scan is typically done if your doctor suspects liposarcoma.

No treatment is usually necessary for a lipoma. However, if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, your doctor might recommend that it be removed. Lipoma treatments include:

• Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising. A technique known as minimal excision extraction may result in less scarring.
• Liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump.

You're likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary doctor. You may then be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

• List your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Make a list of medications, vitamins and supplements you're taking.
• List questions to ask your doctor.

Preparing a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For lipoma, some basic questions to ask include:

• What caused this growth?
• Is it cancer?
• Do I need tests?
• Will this lump always be there?
• Can I have it removed?
• What's involved in removing it? Are there risks?
• Is it likely to return, or am I likely to get another?
• Do you have any brochures or other resources I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, too, including:

• When did you notice the lump?
• Has it grown?
• Have you had similar growths in the past?
• Is the lump painful?
• Have others in your family had similar lumps?