Should lipomas be surgically removed?

Lipomas are benign tumors that form from abnormal growth of fatty tissue under the skin.

According to the UK National Health Service (NHS), most lipomas are harmless and usually do not require treatment. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body that has fat cells, but are most commonly found on the shoulders, neck, back, chest, thighs and armpits.

Lipomas are benign tumors that form from abnormal growth of fatty tissue under the skin.

In rare cases, lipomas can form in internal organs, bones, or muscles. Lipomas are usually soft lumps under the skin that can move slightly when pressed.

Lipomas grow slowly, can persist for months or even years, and average 2-3 cm in size. However, some lipomas can be larger, even reaching 10-15 cm in size. Based on histological analysis, lipomas can be divided into the following types:

Common lipoma: The most common type.

Atypical lipomas: Contain abnormal cells.

Hibernoma: A rare lipoma containing brown fat cells.

Angiolipoma: A fatty tumor that involves blood vessels and is often painful.

Spindle cell and pleomorphic lipomas: Rare, contain special cell types.

People in middle age (40-60 years old) are at high risk of developing lipomas. Other risk factors include: obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, liver disease, and other metabolic disorders.

When should lipomas be surgically removed? According to Dr. Le Ngoc Vinh, Head and Neck Unit, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, most lipomas are benign and do not require surgery.

However, doctors may recommend lipomas for surgery in the following cases: Larger than 5 cm in size or growing rapidly. Causing pain or discomfort. Compressing nerves or surrounding organs. Affecting body functions. For cosmetic reasons. Unable to clearly identify whether it is a lipoma or another tumor. There are signs of infection or blood in the tumor.

Is lipomas surgery dangerous? According to doctors, lipomas surgery is a minimally invasive and safe surgery. The surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, allowing the patient to go home immediately afterwards. The surgery involves making a small incision in the skin to remove the entire tumor. This method has a low recurrence rate and leaves little scarring.

In addition, some cases can apply liposuction method. The doctor will make a small incision and use a tube to suck out the fat tissue. However, this method has a higher chance of recurrence and does not completely remove the fat tissue.

Although less dangerous, some minor complications can occur after surgery, including slight bleeding at the surgical site.

Pain or bruising. Seroma, hematoma: May be caused by improper wound care. Infection: May occur if the surgical site is not kept clean.

Your doctor will give you detailed instructions on how to care for yourself after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. The removed tumor is usually sent to a laboratory for analysis to rule out cancer.

Most lipomas do not require treatment if they do not affect health. However, when a tumor is discovered under the skin, the patient should see a doctor for an examination to determine exactly whether the lipoma is benign or has the risk of malignancy. Because some malignant tumors or cysts can look like lipomas, specific tests are needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

If you have a lipoma but are not experiencing any unusual symptoms, keep it under regular surveillance. If the tumor grows rapidly, causes pain, or interferes with your life, consult your doctor to consider surgery. In particular, people with a family history of skin cancer need regular screening and health check-ups.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/co-nen-phau-thuat-cat-u-mo-d229845.html