Soft tissue neoplasms
Benign soft-tissue neoplasms are well-defined tumors that develop when the mechanisms regulating cell division and growth are disrupted. They may arise from connective, adipose, vascular, or other tissues. These neoplasms may cause no discomfort and rarely become malignant.
What is an atheroma? It is a benign lesion classified as an epithelial skin cyst.
An atheroma is a rounded, encapsulated lesion filled with thick white or yellowish material, often with an unpleasant odor. Its contents consist of keratin, a protein produced by the cyst walls. It may occur anywhere on the body, but it is most commonly found on the scalp, face, back, and neck.
The skin over the lesion usually remains unchanged, but it may become red if inflammation develops. Atheromas often become infected and filled with pus, causing skin redness, pain around the lesion, swelling, or an increase in size. If left untreated, an infected atheroma may rupture spontaneously, releasing pus mixed with sebaceous material and producing an unpleasant odor. Atheromas can only be treated by surgically removing the lesion together with its capsule. Claims that atheromas can be removed using a “laser without an incision” are merely a myth. A properly performed incision and cosmetic wound closure provide an excellent aesthetic result. However, a cosmetic suture can only be used during the planned removal of an atheroma, not once it has already become inflamed.
If you have similar lesions that cause discomfort or affect your appearance, do not delay—call or message us!
Another type of growth that may cause a cosmetic concern is a lipoma.
A lipoma is a benign growth (sometimes multiple growths) composed of adipose tissue. It develops in the layer of loose subcutaneous connective tissue. It is commonly found on the back, neck, anterior abdominal wall, and limbs; it may vary in consistency and size (from 1-2 cm to 10 cm or more).
Lipomas are commonly known as fatty lumps and occur in approximately 1% of people. They generally do not cause any functional problems, so they are usually removed for cosmetic reasons. However, a lipoma may occasionally develop into a liposarcoma.
Diagnosing this condition is usually straightforward, and a consultation with a surgeon and a medical history (absence of pain, duration of the condition, and slow growth) are generally sufficient. Additional tests may sometimes be required, such as a soft-tissue ultrasound or a lipoma biopsy (needle aspiration) followed by histological examination.
The only effective treatment for lipomas is surgical removal. If you consult a surgeon promptly, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis (without hospitalization or a lengthy postoperative recovery period) under local anesthesia. The surgeon may also use a cosmetic suture to improve the aesthetic appearance of the surgical scar.
