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Lipoma & Cyst Removal Specialist

Ali Hendi, MD

Skin Cancer Specialists & Mohs Surgeons located in Chevy Chase, MD

A lipoma is a knot of fatty tissue, while a cyst is a hard, fluid-filled bump. Neither is usually harmful, but these growths can be annoying, painful, and affect your quality of life. With a certified outpatient surgery center, the office of Ali Hendi, MD, in Chevy Chase, Maryland, provides lipoma and cyst removal that minimizes scarring. We proudly serve the Washington, DC/DMV and the surrounding areas including: Bethesda, Silver Spring, Rockville, Potomac, PG County, Baltimore County, Arlington, Mclean, Tysons Corner, Vienna, Chantilly, Alexandria, and Fairfax. Call today for a medical evaluation of your lipoma or cyst with Ali Hendi, MD.

Lipoma & Cyst Removal

What is a lipoma?

Lipomas are small, noncancerous masses of fatty tissue that usually grow just below the surface of your skin. These growths aren't harmful to your health. 

Lipomas are somewhat common and tend to grow in adults between the ages of 40 and 60. Most people usually have just one lipoma, though about 20% of those affected may have several.

Lipomas can appear almost anywhere on your body, but usually appear on your:

  • Chest
  • Shoulders
  • Back
  • Neck
  • Armpits

Lipomas grow slowly, and most are 2 inches across or smaller. However, these tumors can be bothersome if they're large or located in sensitive areas. If this is the case, you may want to explore lipoma removal at the office of Ali Hendi, MD.

What are cysts?

Cysts are small, noncancerous nodules that develop beneath your skin. Cysts usually contain fluid surrounded by a firm shell. 

These growths can be found anywhere on your skin, but typically appear on your:

  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest
  • Back

Cysts grow slowly and rarely cause problems. However, you may want a cyst removed if it makes you feel self-conscious or it's painful or infected. If this is the case, the team at the office of Ali Hendi, MD, provides safe, effective cyst removal treatments.

How are lipomas and cysts diagnosed?

In most cases, your provider at the office of Ali Hendi, MD, diagnoses a cyst or lipoma by examining the growth. Sometimes, they suggest a diagnostic test to confirm the growth isn't cancerous. 

One of these tests is a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of the cyst or lipoma to examine under a microscope for signs of cancer. They discuss your results and recommend appropriate treatments.

What are my options for lipoma or cyst removal?

Lipoma removal typically involves making an incision in the growth, and then surgically removing the fatty growth. This procedure is similar to liposuction.

For a cyst, one option is to puncture and drain the growth. However, this treatment carries a risk that the cyst might grow back. A more lasting option is surgically removing the cyst by making a small incision. With this option, you may need stitches to close your incision.

If you suspect a skin growth is a lipoma or cyst, find out about your removal options today by calling Ali Hendi, MD.