the Characteristics and Locations of Lipomas - Surgery

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Characteristics and Growth Locations of Epidermoid Cysts?


Hello Doctor: I apologize for bothering you, but I noticed a lump on the right side of my genital area that resembles a pimple about three weeks ago.
The lump is relatively large and somewhat elastic.
Initially, it was painful when pressed, but over the past few days, it has actually become painless, and it doesn't seem to be shrinking.
At first, there was a little bit of bleeding and pus (without any significant squeezing, it likely broke due to friction).
Although the location is somewhat unusual, could this be a sebaceous cyst?

17, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/17

Dr. Chen Jiaming reply Surgery


It is not possible to definitively diagnose a sebaceous cyst based solely on your description.
However, due to the nature of clothing in the genital area, the skin can become hot and non-breathable, which can indeed lead to conditions similar to sebaceous gland obstruction (such as acne, folliculitis, sebaceous cysts, etc.).
Maintaining cleanliness and dryness can help reduce related symptoms.
If there is significant tenderness or abnormal discharge, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly.
Antibiotics may be used to suppress bacteria and prevent further infection.

Reply Date: 2020/07/17

More Info


Based on the symptoms you've described, it sounds like you may be dealing with a lipoma, which is a benign tumor made up of fat tissue. Lipomas are typically soft, movable, and painless lumps that can occur anywhere on the body, including the genital area. They are generally slow-growing and can vary in size, often feeling rubbery or elastic to the touch.
The fact that you initially experienced pain and some bleeding or pus suggests that there might have been some irritation or even a secondary infection at the site. This can happen if the lipoma becomes inflamed or if there is friction against clothing. However, lipomas themselves are not usually associated with pain unless they press against nerves or other structures.

It's also important to differentiate between a lipoma and other conditions that can present similarly, such as sebaceous cysts (also known as epidermoid cysts) or abscesses. Sebaceous cysts are filled with a thick, oily substance and can become inflamed or infected, leading to pain, redness, and drainage of pus. An abscess, on the other hand, is a collection of pus that forms due to infection and is typically painful, swollen, and warm to the touch.

In your case, since the lump is located in a sensitive area and has shown signs of irritation, it would be wise to consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation. They may perform a physical examination and, if necessary, imaging studies or a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.
If it is indeed a lipoma, treatment is usually not required unless it becomes bothersome or painful. In such cases, surgical removal is the most common approach. If it turns out to be a cyst or an abscess, treatment may involve drainage and possibly antibiotics if there is an infection.

Regarding the location of the lump, lipomas can occur in various areas of the body, but they are most commonly found on the trunk, shoulders, and arms. The genital area is less common but not unheard of.
In summary, while your symptoms could suggest a lipoma, the initial pain and discharge indicate that a thorough examination is necessary to rule out other conditions. It's always best to err on the side of caution, especially with growths in sensitive areas. If you notice any changes in size, shape, or symptoms, or if you experience increasing pain or discomfort, seek medical attention promptly.

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