Surgery · Soft tissue tumors

A lump under the skin: lipoma, cyst and more

Have you felt a lump under your skin? Most lumps are harmless; often it is a lipoma or a skin cyst. But it is a good idea to have any new lump checked. At HR Clinic, MUDr. Martin Kašpar assesses it and, if appropriate, removes it and sends the tissue to a laboratory for testing.

Book a surgical consultation How the procedure works
  • No referral from a GP needed
  • Operated on by MUDr. Martin Kašpar

Planned procedure

2 weeksusually from diagnosis to procedure
lipomas and cysts
slowlyis how they usually grow, often without symptoms
size from
a peaup to several centimeters
see a doctor after
2 weeksif the lump has not gone by then
until the procedure
2 weeksusually from the diagnosis

What it could be

Lipoma, skin cyst or something else?

Lumps under the skin are common and have many causes. How a lump looks and behaves can give some clues. But only an examination gives certainty, so do not diagnose yourself.

  1. Lipoma

    A soft, squashy fatty lump under the skin. It may move slightly when pressed, usually does not hurt and grows slowly. It is often found on the shoulders, chest, arms, back, buttocks or thighs. A lipoma is harmless.

  2. Skin cyst

    A round lump just under the skin, often filled with fluid or pus, sometimes with a small dark dot in the middle. It grows slowly and turns red and painful when inflamed. It is not cancerous. Do not squeeze it, as it could become inflamed.

  3. A deep, firm lump

    Rarely, a lump can be a sign of something more serious, such as a cancerous soft tissue tumor (sarcoma). It is usually felt deep under the skin, is firm, does not hurt and is hard to move. It keeps growing and may start to hurt over time.

  4. Other places

    A lump in the groin may be a hernia. Always have a lump in the breast or testicle checked, as well as a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin that does not go down within 2 weeks.

Diagram of a cross-section through the skin and subcutaneous tissue: on the left healthy skin, subcutaneous tissue and muscle, on the right a lipoma, a soft lump in the subcutaneous tissue that makes the skin above it bulge Healthy skin and subcutis Lipoma: soft lump in the subcutis
  • skin
  • subcutaneous tissue
  • muscle
  • lipoma
Simplified diagram of a cross-section through the skin and subcutaneous tissue, not an actual image.

Treatment

Monitor or remove?

A lipoma or skin cyst usually does not need to be removed if it causes no problems. The right approach is decided by the doctor after the examination.

Step 1

Examination

First, find out what it is.

  • The doctor looks at and feels the lump and can usually recognize a lipoma
  • If unsure, the doctor recommends an ultrasound or taking a small sample (biopsy)

Step 2

Monitor

When the lump does not bother you.

  • A lipoma or skin cyst without symptoms needs no treatment
  • Do not squeeze a skin cyst, the inflammation could spread
  • An inflamed skin cyst can be treated with antibiotics

Step 3

Removal

When the lump grows or bothers you.

  • A lipoma that is growing or causes problems because of where it is
  • A large or painful skin cyst that gets in the way, for example on the head when combing
  • A lump in a visible place, such as the face, if you would like it removed

Not sure what your lump is? An examination will tell. Book a consultation

How the procedure works

From booking to the result

The lump is surgically cut out. A skin cyst is removed under local anesthesia, where you are awake but cannot feel the area around the lump. The anesthesiologist discusses the type of anesthesia with you before the procedure. The removed tissue can be sent to a laboratory for testing.

  1. Booking

    Online or by phone. No referral from a GP is needed.

    online or by phone

  2. Consultation and examination

    MUDr. Kašpar examines the lump, makes the diagnosis and explains whether and how to remove it.

    diagnosis and treatment plan

  3. Procedure

    The lump is cut out. The removed tissue may be sent to a laboratory for testing.

    usually within 2 weeks of the diagnosis

  4. Home and result

    You go home as soon as everything is in order.

    we stay in touch

After the procedure

Small procedure, small scar

You go home on the day of the procedure, as day surgery.

Room of the short-stay ward at HR Clinic

  1. Scar

    Once the wound has healed, a small scar remains.

  2. Laboratory result

    If the tissue is sent for testing, the laboratory confirms what kind of lump it was, for example that it really is a lipoma.

  3. New lumps

    Even after removal, new skin cysts can appear over time. If a lump comes back in the same place, have it checked again.

MUDr. Martin Kašpar, head of surgery at HR Clinic

Who operates

MUDr. Martin Kašpar, head of surgery

A surgeon with thirty years of experience in surgery and surgical oncology. He examines you, makes the diagnosis and performs the procedure. Throughout your treatment you are in direct contact with him.

More about MUDr. Kašpar Surgery at HR Clinic

Price We will tell you the price of the procedure at the consultation, depending on the findings and the scope of the procedure.

Frequently asked questions

What patients ask most often

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Is a lipoma dangerous?

No, a lipoma is a harmless fatty lump and usually does not need to be removed. But it is a good idea to have any new lump checked, because rarely it can be something more serious.

Can I squeeze a skin cyst myself?

No. If it bursts, it can become inflamed, and if it is already inflamed, you could spread the inflammation. Have a red or painful skin cyst checked as soon as possible.

Why is the removed lump sent to a laboratory?

To confirm what kind of tissue it is, for example that it really is a lipoma. The doctor will go through the result with you.

Will I be awake for the procedure?

A skin cyst is removed under local anesthesia: you are awake but cannot feel the area around the lump. The anesthesiologist discusses the type of anesthesia with you before the procedure.

Will there be a scar?

Yes, once the wound has healed, a small scar remains.

How long will I stay at the clinic?

Procedures are done as day surgery, and the stay at the clinic does not exceed 24 hours. You go home as soon as everything is in order.

Does health insurance cover the procedure?

No. HR Clinic is a private clinic and patients pay for their care themselves. No referral from a GP is needed.

Booking

Book a surgical consultation

Online or by phone, at the clinic in Znojmo. No referral from a GP is needed.

Book a consultation
Book a consultation