Lipomas belong to which department?

Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

Updated on January 06, 2025

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Lipomas are relatively superficial tumors. Generally, lipomas fall under the category of general surgery, and general surgeons can easily diagnose and remove them through surgery. However, there are exceptions. If the lipoma is located deeper and in the chest area, it is recommended for the patient to consult the thoracic department for further diagnosis and treatment. If the lipoma is located in the scapular area and is relatively large and deep, it is recommended for the patient to consult the orthopedic department. Orthopedic specialists are more familiar with the local anatomy, which can lead to better treatment outcomes for the patient.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

58sec

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Is surgery recommended for lipomas?

Whether lipomas need surgical treatment often depends on the location, size of the lipoma, and whether it causes related clinical symptoms. If the lipoma grows too fast during observation, is in a special location, or severely affects appearance, surgical treatment can be considered. Alternatively, if the lipoma shows evident symptoms like localized redness, pain, surface itchiness, and uneven surfaces, timely color ultrasound re-examination should be done as malignancy cannot be ruled out, and timely surgical removal and biopsy are necessary. Thirdly, if the lipoma grows too quickly and causes compression symptoms, damaging other organs, surgical treatment should also be considered. Generally, lipomas are benign lesions, but there is also a possibility that they could develop into liposarcomas, which should be confirmed based on postoperative biopsy.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

35sec

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Symptoms of lipoma

Lipomas are common in clinical settings and often occur on the limbs and trunk. Lipomas are benign tumors, and their clinical manifestations are primarily subcutaneous, presenting as a flat, irregular, or lobulated mass. The surface of these masses does not show redness or rupture, and they can generally be moved. Lipomas have a firm or soft texture. These are the most typical clinical manifestations of lipomas. Some patients may experience localized discomfort, and surgery can be performed to remove the lipoma after it has developed.

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Written by Zhang Peng

General Surgery

42sec

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Lipoma surgery cost

Small lipomas are generally treated on an outpatient basis in some top-tier municipal hospitals, including local anesthesia. The cost of anesthesia generally ranges from 200 to 300 yuan. However, this depends on the size and location of the lipoma. If the lipoma is in a special area or is relatively large, the surgery costs may increase. It also depends on whether the lipoma is a liposarcoma. If liposarcoma cannot be ruled out, then further extensive excision during hospitalization is needed after a pathological examination. Thus, the cost of the surgery for removing the tumor will depend on the specific condition.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

36sec

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What should I do if my lipoma bursts?

Lipoma is a type of tumor on the body surface, commonly found in the limbs and subcutaneous areas. It generally presents as a mass under the skin, which is lobulated or flat in shape, with no swelling or redness on the surface skin. Clinically, once a lipoma is diagnosed, surgical removal can be considered. If the lipoma's capsule breaks during surgery and the lipoma is damaged, there is no need for particular concern. It is only necessary to completely remove the lipoma, as it is composed of fatty tissue, the same as the normal subcutaneous tissue, and does not lead to serious consequences.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

49sec

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The difference between lipoma and liposarcoma

Lipomas and liposarcomas are both relatively common diseases in clinical practice. Lipoma is a benign tumor, which refers to the nodular lesions formed by subcutaneous fat hyperplasia. The tumor has clear boundaries, a complete capsule, a soft texture, and grows slowly. Clinically, it can be treated by surgical removal, requiring only local excision. Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor of fat, originating from the interlobular fat tissue. The tumor lacks a capsule, has unclear boundaries, a harder texture, and grows rapidly. Clinically, after diagnosing liposarcoma, surgery must be performed. The scope of the surgery is relatively large, requiring the removal of the lesion and the surrounding tissues to achieve a radical cure.