Lipoma Excision
John Grove1; Marcus Lester R. Suntay, MD, FPCS, FPSPS, FPALES2
1Lincoln Memorial University – DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Philippine Children’s Medical Center
Lipomas are slow-growing lumps that occur as a result of overgrowth of fat cells. They present as doughy, moveable, and non-tender lumps usually found underneath the skin; however, they may occasionally be deeper. Lipomas occur in 1 in every 1,000 people and commonly grow on the upper back, shoulders, and abdomen. In most cases, lipomas are painless unless they affect joints, nerves, or blood vessels. A physical examination is the easiest way to diagnose a lipoma; however, imaging studies and biopsy may aid in the diagnosis when they are large, have unusual features, or appear deep.
No treatment is usually necessary for a lipoma; however, if a lipoma is painful or growing, removal may be recommended by excision or liposuction. Here, we present a 35-year-old male who has a large and deep 8-year-old lipoma on his upper back. The lipoma was excised and sent for biopsy.