Case Study: Enlarging Growth on the Back – Lipoma in a 43-Year-Old Female
by: Ashley Baldree
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, Texas, patients often present with new or enlarging growths that raise concern about skin cancer or other serious conditions. This case highlights a 43-year-old female with a darkening, enlarging growth on her upper back, ultimately diagnosed as a lipoma.
Patient Presentation
A 43-year-old female presented as a new patient for evaluation of growths on the right upper back. The lesions had been darkening, enlarging, and irregular in appearance for several months. They were moderate in severity and had not been treated in the past.
Her main concern was whether these growths represented something malignant, and she sought evaluation and management.
Dermatologic Examination
A full-body exam was performed, including the scalp, face, trunk, and extremities, with the assistance of a dermatoscope.
Findings included:
Lipoma: A soft, subcutaneous, slow-growing mass measuring approximately 1.8 cm on the upper back.
No other suspicious lesions were noted.
Impression and Plan
Lipoma
The growth was determined to be a lipoma, a benign tumor made of fatty tissue.
Counseling and Education:
Lipomas are noncancerous and slow-growing.
They often remain stable but can gradually enlarge over time.
No treatment is strictly necessary unless the lesion is bothersome, enlarging, or cosmetically concerning.
Treatment Recommendation:
Surgical excision was recommended for definitive treatment and removal.
The patient was offered referral to Dr. Vaughn or Dr. Armenta for the procedure.
The patient elected to proceed with surgical removal.
Key Takeaway
Not all enlarging or darkening skin growths are dangerous. Lipomas are benign fatty tumors, but professional evaluation is essential to rule out other possibilities. In this case, the patient was reassured, counseled, and scheduled for surgical removal.
At Village Dermatology in Katy and Houston, TX, we provide expert evaluation of growths, lumps, and skin lesions, offering both reassurance and treatment options tailored to each patient.
