Finding a lump under your skin can be alarming. You’re probably wondering if it’s a cyst, a lipoma, or something more serious.
While most soft tissue lumps aren’t cancerous, it’s not always easy to tell what’s causing them. Lipomas and sebaceous cysts are two of the most common possibilities, and although they may look alike, they have different causes and treatment options.
Dr. Mikhail A. Botvinov and the Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions team can identify the cause of unexplained lumps and determine whether treatment is necessary.
Read on to learn how to tell the difference between a lipoma and a sebaceous cyst and when it’s time to see a surgeon in Westwood, New Jersey.
Although lipomas and sebaceous cysts may look similar, they develop in different ways.
A lipoma is a slow-growing collection of fatty tissue that develops beneath your skin. Lipomas are usually:
Lipomas commonly develop on the shoulders, back, neck, arms, or thighs. Most don’t require treatment unless they become painful, continue to grow, or interfere with your daily activities.
A sebaceous cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms beneath your skin when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked or damaged. These glands produce sebum, the natural oil that lubricates your skin and hair.
Sebaceous cysts are typically:
Unlike lipomas, sebaceous cysts can become red, swollen, tender, or begin to drain if they become infected.
Many lipomas and cysts are harmless, but it’s still important to have any new or changing lump evaluated.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Bergen if you notice:
Although most soft tissue masses are benign, Dr. Bergen can determine whether additional testing or treatment is needed.
Sometimes, a sebaceous cyst can be drained to relieve discomfort. However, because the cyst lining remains in place, it may fill up and return. If a lipoma or sebaceous cyst is painful, becoming infected, growing larger, or interfering with your daily activities, surgical removal is often the most effective treatment.
At Bergen Bariatric and Surgical Solutions P.C., Dr. Bergen removes lipomas and cysts as an outpatient procedure here in our Westwood, New Jersey location. He uses local anesthesia, so you remain awake, but the area will be completely numbed.
During the procedure, Dr. Bergen makes a small incision and removes the entire growth, including its outer capsule whenever appropriate. This helps reduce the chance that it will return.
Most procedures take 20-45 minutes, depending on the size and location of the growth. After the incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing, you can return home.
Most people experience only mild discomfort and can resume many normal activities shortly after the procedure.
Finding a lump beneath your skin can be unsettling, but most turn out to be noncancerous. Still, it’s always worth having a new or changing lump evaluated so you can receive an accurate diagnosis and peace of mind.
So, if you’ve noticed a lump that’s growing, painful, or simply concerning, call our office at 201-731-6919 or request an appointment online.
