Is a" presumed "fatty tumor something to be concerned about?!
Question:
I have a large lump on my upper chest/shoulder area.A couple of doctors/reg M.D."s have felt on it and said it was a fatty tumor and did not seem concerned about it. It is getting pretty large now that it's been there a few years and is spreading towards my breast area. Every time I go to a medical web site and type in the word "fatty tumor" I get sent to a cancer page which freeks me out and still yet can't get any direct answers on fatty tumors. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Answers:
A Lipoma is literally a Fat Tumor. I had a friend that had a big one on his back.as he gained weight it got bigger and when he was geting in shape for a body building comp. and lost a bunch of weight it went away (looked smaller). He wasn't obese or anything.but def a bit over weight when you could feel it/see it. If the lump is superficial (below the skin layer) and is somewhat moveable and non-painful that could be all it is.
If it is in your armpit where your shoulder/chest meet.it could also be a swollen lymph node and b/c that is the direction of normal drainage from your breast.if you have a family history of breast cancer or are over 40 ask for a biopsy.
Hope this helps.
Other Answers:
A fatty tumor is called a lipoma. You can have them anywhere on your body. Try doing a search using the word lipoma.
Before you go as far as having a biopsy, ask to be referred for an ultrasound. Ultrasound is an excellent way to visualize masses, especially masses which you can feel. A lipoma has a very classic appearance on ultrasound. If the mass does not look like a typical lipoma, then a biopsy would be a good idea.
Some sites with info on lipomas:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lipoma
http://health.yahoo.com/ency/healthwise/tm6295spec
http://www.chennaionline.com/health/Homoeopathy/2005/05homoeo42.asp
Source(s):
Medical sonographer with 12 years experience..
I have a Border Collie that has one. It is on her side behind her left leg. The vet suggested to have it removed. They are common in humans and animals.
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