Why Does My Lipoma Persist After Surgical Removal?
As a 16-year-old Caucasian female, I'm not entirely sure of my weight. Recently, I noticed discrepancies on either side of my abdomen. My left side had an obvious fatty mass that resembled a bulge, and upon touching it, I felt it was lumpy. This prompted a visit to my physician who diagnosed it as a lipoma. Thankfully, it was not cancerous, and I underwent surgery to have it excised. However, I still see it there! On the same day of the procedure, I could still make out the outline of the lipoma, but I refrained from feeling it too much to avoid any risk of infection. My mother suggested that it might be swollen. After around ten days, I cautiously examined it again and noticed it felt unchanged. Now, more than three months have passed, and it remains present. Moreover, the discomfort has substantially increased since the operation! I experience sudden, intense, stabbing pains in that area. The pain tends to be sharp and occurs every second for a brief period. Could it be that the lipoma has reformed at an astonishing rate?
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 4:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing some discomfort and concern regarding the persistence of your lipoma after surgery, along with increased pain in that area. Let’s break this down.
Overview of Your Situation
- Lipoma Characteristics: Lipomas are usually benign tumors made of fat, and it's possible for them to recur after surgery, although this is not very common.
- Post-Surgical Changes: Swelling or residual tissue can occur after surgical procedures, which might feel like a lump and can lead to discomfort.
- Pain Symptoms: The stabbing pain you're describing may be concerning and could stem from several factors, including nerve irritation or scar tissue formation.
Understanding Your Symptoms
- Persistence of Lipoma: If a lipoma is not completely removed during surgery, it may appear to remain or even grow back. Sometimes, the tissue surrounding the area can make it feel like the lipoma is still there.
- Pain After Surgery: Sharp pains can occur as the area heals; however, persistent or increasing pain warrants further evaluation to rule out complications like infection, neuroma formation (nerve damage), or other issues unique to your recovery.
Next Steps to Consider
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms, especially noting any changes in size, shape, or pain intensity.
- Gentle Self-Care: Apply a warm compress to the area to help soothe discomfort. Avoid tight clothing that may press against the site.
- Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any related activities (like exercise or movement). This can help identify patterns and guide your next steps.
- Reflect on Medical Advice: If you continue to have pain or notice no improvement in the swelling, consider discussing your concerns with your doctor for a thorough evaluation. They may suggest imaging studies (like an ultrasound) to better understand what’s happening under the skin.
When to Seek Help
- If you notice increased swelling, redness, fever, or if the pain worsens significantly, seek further evaluation immediately.
- Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about the healing process or if the pain disrupts your daily activities.
Taking care of yourself and keeping attentive to changes in your body is essential. Always feel empowered to seek clarity and support from your healthcare provider; your health and comfort are the priority.
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