📲 Lump: “Hey, do you know me? I’ve been here for a while…”

One day, you’re in the shower, and as you run your hand over your neck or arm, you feel a small lump under your skin. It doesn’t hurt, but it wasn’t there before. Is it just accumulated fat? A cyst? Something more serious?

You ignore it. Days go by, and it’s still there. Now, you can’t stop touching it. You start wondering: “When did this appear? Should I be concerned?”

Lipomas and cysts are very common, but they’re not always harmless. Knowing how to differentiate them is key to your peace of mind and health. In this article, we’ll explain what they are, how to identify them, and when it’s time to see a specialist.

👀 What Are Lipomas and Cysts?

Lipomas and cysts are subcutaneous lumps that can appear in different parts of the body, but they have key differences.

🌱 Lipomas: Harmless Fat Lumps

These are benign tumors made up of fat. They are soft, painless, and move easily under the skin.

🔎 Common locations:
Arms, neck, back, and thighs.

🔄 Size:
They can grow over time but are rarely dangerous.

🛆 Risk factors:
Genetics, obesity, and age (more common after 40 years old).

🌪️ Sebaceous Cysts: Fluid or Keratin-Filled Pockets

These are fluid-filled or sebaceous material-filled sacs that form when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked.

🔎 Common locations: Scalp, face, neck, and back.🔄 Size: They can be small or grow to several centimeters.🛡️ Can become infected: Redness, pain, and swelling may be signs of infection.

🏠 Lipomas and Cysts on the Face and Breasts: Are They the Same?

Some people discover lumps on their face or breasts and wonder if they could be lipomas. Here’s how they differ:

✔ Lipomas in the breasts:
These are harmless fat lumps, soft and movable. They do not increase the risk of breast cancer, but any new lump should be evaluated.

✔ Breast cysts:
Fluid-filled sacs that may change with the hormonal cycle.

✔ Lipomas on the face:
Typically small, round, and painless, but they can be mistaken for sebaceous cysts.

✔ Sebaceous cysts on the face:
Form due to accumulated fat or keratin and can become inflamed if infected.

If you have a lump in these areas that doesn’t go away or changes over time, it’s best to consult a specialist.

🚨 Warning Signs: When Should a Lump Be Checked by a Doctor?

Most lipomas and cysts are harmless, but there are signs that could indicate a more serious problem:

🔴 Pain or rapid growth:
A lump that grows quickly or hurts when touched should be checked.

🔴 Change in color or texture:
If it turns red, purple, or changes consistency, it could be an infection.

🔴 Bleeding or discharge:
Any fluid leakage or bleeding is not normal.

🔴 Hardened or fixed lump:
If it doesn’t move when touched, consult a specialist.

🔴 Fever or general discomfort:
This could be an infection or something more serious.

If you experience any of these signs, it’s best to see a specialist for a proper diagnosis.

📝 Test:
Should You Get Your Lump Checked?

Answer these questions and add up your points to see if you should consult a specialist:

1️⃣ Has your lump grown rapidly in the last month?
✔ No (0 pts)
✔ A little (1 pt)
✔ A lot (2 pts)

2️⃣ Does the lump hurt or feel warm to the touch?
✔ No (0 pts)
✔ Sometimes (1 pt)
✔ All the time (2 pts)

3️⃣ Is the lump fixed and doesn’t move under the skin?
✔ No (0 pts)
✔ A little (1 pt)
✔ Doesn’t move at all (2 pts)

📊 Results:

🟢 0-2 points: Probably harmless, but keep monitoring it.
🟡 3-4 points: May need medical evaluation, consult a specialist.
🔴 5+ points: Don’t ignore it, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

💉 Treatments for Lipomas and Cysts

If a lipoma or cyst isn’t causing discomfort, it usually doesn’t require treatment, but if it’s bothersome or presents any of the warning signs, here are the options:

💉 Drainage or cyst removal:
If infected or inflamed, it can be drained or removed.

👩‍⚕️ Minor surgery:
Performed under local anesthesia to remove large lipomas or recurrent cysts.

🔍 Biopsy:
If deemed necessary by the specialist, tissue can be analyzed to rule out malignancy.

💲 Treatment cost: The removal of lipomas, cysts, and other subcutaneous lumps at Nova Clinic Care costs $90 for small and medium lipomas, with an additional charge if a biopsy or advanced procedure is required.

Don’t Ignore What Your Skin Is Telling You

Lipomas and cysts are common, but not all are harmless. It’s essential to pay attention to skin changes and know when it’s time to see a specialist.

✔ If a lump changes in size, color, or texture, don’t ignore it.
✔ If there’s pain, swelling, or discharge, see a doctor.
✔ Detecting and treating it early can prevent unnecessary complications.

🩺 Don’t leave it to chance. At Nova Clinic Care, we offer evaluations and procedures for your peace of mind and well-being.

📍 Location: Cutler Bay, Miami, Florida
📲 Schedule your appointment today: WhatsApp +1 786-626-8920
🔗 Visit our blog for more information on skin health. https://novacliniccare.com/es/news/

📢 Share this article with someone who might need it. It can help them detect a problem early and take action.

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