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Experience with lipoma?
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Posted by Stephanie_in_TN (My Page) on Thu, Jan 17, 02 at 14:38
| yesterday I noticed a strange lump on DS's back (the 5 y/o). It seemed large for to not have noticed it before this. It's a little bigger around than a quarter and raised about 3/4" from his back. It's hard but loose, it moves a little when pushed, not like it's stuck to a bone. There is no bruise associated with it, DS says it hurts just a little when touched, but hasn't complained about it. It was a fluke that I was looking at his back closely.
So not wasting any time, I called the doc today (our first visit with the new pediatrician since the move). His diagnosis is a lipoma, benign fatty deposit. But he said it should still be removed and referred me to a sugeon (mom gasps). Now I'm waiting to hear on the time/date for the surgeon apt. to confirm this and the need for sugeory. But the ped. says it will probably have to be removed to confirm that's what it is and that it is benign.
I'm sure it'll be nothing. Still, surgeory on my little guy! Ugh! My FIL had one of these a few years ago, the doc says they are very rare in children. So can I blame my FIL for this? Just kidding.
I'm rambling cuz I'm a little nervous. DS doesn't seem to care. He really doesn't understand that it has to be cut out. I know that'll freak him out.
ANy knowledge or experience to share would do a mom good right now (as long as it's good news, don't tell me scary stories right now, ok). |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Experience with lipoma?
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| I had one. I noticed it in college. I went to 2 different doctors to make sure that they gave me the same diagnosis of what it was because I had never heard of them before. It was recommended that I have it removed if it started growing because at the time I found it, it was considered cosmetic surgery. I lived with mine for 3 or 4 years and then it started growing because it was directly under my bra on my back and was experiencing a lot of friction from the bra. The doctor that I had remove it was a specialist in oncology and cosmetic surgery. I had my lipoma removed at the hospital and went home an hour or two later. I was a little sore,but not real bad after the first 24-48 hours. The hospital did a biopsy on the lipoma and it came back negative. I was told that 99% of them are benign. They don't know what causes them. My doctor told me there were two choices for cutting them out- liposuction or making an incision and scooping it out. I chose the latter. I would encourage having it removed right away just for piece of mind. The only reason I had put my surgery off was because I was in college and was having a hard time scheduling around my classes. By the time I had it removed, it went from being cosmetic surgery to necessary surgery. Anyway, my case turned out good. I had the surgery in '95 and it hasn't grown back. I have about a 3" scar, but that doesn't bother me. |
RE: Experience with lipoma?
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| Think of it as removing a great big fat splinter. You wouldn't think of that as being "surgery" would you? It would be just sliting the skin and lifting the lipoma out. They may do it under a local instead of a general anesthesia. Your son will pick up clues from you. If you act worried, he will worry. So please think of this as nothing to get upset or excited about and he will do the same. |
RE: Experience with lipoma?
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| My husband has something that sounds very similar. Our doctor called it a cyst, but basically the same description, and says it should be removed b/c it could erupt & cause infection. He's getting it done next week, in the dr's office, with a local. I'll let you know then how it went, and I'm sure your son will be fine. In the meantime, pin anything you can on in-laws! |
RE: Experience with lipoma?
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Stephanie,
A few years ago, we found a lump on the back of my son's knee. The dr. referred to it as a bakers cyst, and also we got an ultrasound of it, to make sure it was not a tumor. We were told to watch it, to see if it grew or caused pain, but it dissapeared after about 6 months on its own. Before you schedule the surgery, make sure it is completely necessary, and I wish your son good health. |
RE: Experience with lipoma?
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| Thank you all. In fact, it does seem a little smaller this week that when I first noticed it. We will see the surgeon (for consultation) Thursday. I will ask about a million questions, including regarding ultrasound on it. Hopefully, this will do the same as Sallab's son and go away without surgery. |
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