Medical content by Elias Tsiolis, Director Surgeon · Last updated: 11 May 2026
Lipomas – Benign Skin Tumors
Lipomas are benign tumors made up of fat cells.
They are not dangerous, but they can cause discomfort, pressure or a cosmetic problem.
Everything You Need to Know About Lipomas
Symptoms
- A soft lump under the skin
- Usually painless
- May slowly grow in size
- Rarely causes pain, if it presses on nearby tissue
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical, but an ultrasound or MRI may be needed for confirmation or mapping, especially for large or deep lipomas.
Treatment
Surgical Treatment
The definitive treatment is surgical removal, especially if:
- the lipoma is growing,
- it causes pain, or
- it causes cosmetic deformity.
- Removal is done under local anesthesia, is painless and bloodless, and the specimen is sent for histological examination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a lipoma dangerous?
No, it is a benign tumor.
Is removal painful?
No, it is done under local anesthesia and takes a few minutes.
Will it come back?
Not in the same place, provided it is removed completely.
Are stitches needed?
Yes, small and discreet ones, removed after 7–14 days.
Sebaceous Cysts
Sebaceous cysts are very common benign lesions that form when a sebaceous gland in the skin becomes blocked.
They are soft, movable lumps filled with thick sebum, and they can become inflamed or infected, causing pain or abscesses.
Everything You Need to Know About Sebaceous Cysts
Symptoms:
- A soft, movable “bump” under the skin
- Usually painless, unless inflamed
- Redness, pain and pus when inflamed
- Symptoms can recur at intervals if the cyst is not removed properly
Treatment
Surgical Treatment
Treatment is surgical, with complete removal of the cyst and its capsule. Removal is done under local anesthesia in the clinic and takes 15–20 minutes. If the cyst is inflamed, antibiotics or drainage come first, and the removal is done at a later stage.
Laser & Diathermy
Diathermy or laser can be used for a better cosmetic result and bloodless removal of small cysts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous?
No, it is a benign lesion, but it can become infected.
Can it come back?
No, if the whole capsule is removed.
Is it dangerous to have them removed?
No, as long as the removal is done properly and the specimen is sent for histology.