Lipoma (wen) removal

Lipoma or wen, as the common people call it, is a benign tumor consisting of fat cells and fragments of connective tissue. It is usually rounded, small in size, painless and mobile. Lipoma can appear anywhere in the body where there is adipose tissue, most often under the skin - on the head, arm, leg, breast, in difficult cases - in the retroperitoneal tissue, lungs, etc. In most cases, they are not dangerous to human health and do not cause any complications, but they tend to increase in size and are an unpleasant cosmetic defect, so it is recommended to remove them. Lipomas located inside the organs are subject to removal.

Reasons for the appearance

To date, science does not know the exact etiology of lipomas. The main theory is genetic, which implies their inheritance from someone in the family. They also occur as a component of syndromes, for example, Cowden's, Gardner's syndromes, hereditary multiple lipomatosis, and others.

The main factors provoking the appearance of wen are:

• metabolic disorders, primarily lipid metabolism;
• endocrine system diseases (diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, etc.);
• overweight;
• frequent bruises and soft tissue injuries;
• decreased immunity;
• the presence of bad habits.

Indications for removing lipomas

• the presence of discomfort in aesthetic terms;
• compression of blood vessels and nerves due to the impressive size of the lipoma;
• the growth of a wen, especially when localized on the face;
• regular trauma to the lipoma due to dressing, taking off clothes, rubbing;
• location on visible parts of the body;
• with complications, for example, with a ring-shaped lipoma, which wraps around the neck.

Before deciding to remove lipomas from the body, it is necessary to consult with a surgeon. The specialist will conduct an examination, give a referral for diagnostic examinations and, based on their results, decide on the expediency of the operation.

Contraindications to surgical removal of lipomas include:

• the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
• the presence of an acute infectious process;
• chronic diseases in the stage of decompensation;
• violation of blood clotting processes;

Wen treatment

Lipomas are effectively removed with surgery. Today, there are several possible options for removing this neoplasm:

1. Classic operation. Initially, the surgeon paints the area around the tumor and then makes an incision along the entire length of the tumor. With the help of surgical instruments, the doctor removes the capsule with the fatty tissue and, if necessary, applies cosmetic sutures with absorbable sutures. The advantage of this technique is the almost complete absence of the likelihood of relapse. It is indicated in cases of inaccessible tumor location or its significant size.
2. Endoscopic method. It is carried out through a small incision (up to 1 cm). The surgeon makes an incision of the capsule and removal of tumor tissue using endoscopic instruments. Modern endoscopes allow visual control of the completeness of tumor removal.
3. Puncture aspiration (lipoaspiration). The essence of the intervention is that the contents of the tumor are removed using a vacuum aspirator through a thick needle inserted into the lipoma. The disadvantage of this technique is a rather high risk of recurrence of the neoplasm in the same place since all the contents are not always removed.
4. Laser lipolysis. A laser beam is used to cut the skin. The beam then vaporizes the affected tissue at a predetermined depth. Coagulation of all feeding vessels is also performed, which minimizes bleeding and the possibility of subsequent inflammation. After the operation, cosmetic stitches are applied to the incision, if necessary.
5. Radio wave removal. The technique involves the action of radio waves on the capsule of the neoplasm. As a result, it is separated from healthy tissues and removed from the cavity. The removal technique is similar to laser therapy - it does not leave scars, is painless, the risk of bleeding is minimal. However, it is possible to apply this option for removing lipomas when the size of the neoplasm is no more than 3-3.5 cm.
6. Cryodestruction. Also used for small formations. With the help of liquid nitrogen, tissues are frozen and removed without affecting healthy skin. The area heals without scarring.

It is not worth treating lipoma at home, turning to the services of traditional medicine. The risk of resorption of the neoplasm is extremely small, so do not waste time, immediately contact the professionals. Only a specialist will be able to choose an effective method for removing lipoma, after a thorough diagnosis.

The Dobrobut network of medical clinics in Kyiv offers lipoma removal at competitive prices. Our doctors are the best specialists in Ukraine, they are fluent in the latest techniques, use the most modern equipment in their work, and will be able to find an approach to any patient. The cost of lipoma removal can vary depending on the technique chosen. You can clarify all your questions and sign up for a consultation with a specialist by calling our call center at any time of the day!

Bibliography

1. Lipoma. Ocerview. Mayo Clinic. Published online, 07 February, 2020.
2. Stephanie S. Gardner - What is Lipoma? WebMD. Published online, 01 October, 2019.
3. Gohar A. Salam - Lipoma Excision. Published online, 01 March, 2002.
4. Lipoma: What Is It, Causes, Symptoms, Types, Treatment. Cleveland Clinic. Published online, 13 November, 2020.