Ask a doctor on the topic of Dermatology

Back pain caused by lipoma

January 30, 2012 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

My background:

For the past 3 years, I have been suffering from daily back pain. Sometimes mild, sometimes extremely severe. I have already seen 2 orthopedists who have examined my hip and back, both with no findings and in the best condition. A surgeon diagnosed me with a slight inguinal hernia through palpation, but it does not require surgery. Otherwise, I am supposed to keep myself pain-free with Diclufinac.

On the other hand, I have a "lipoma" - I assume! - on the inner side of my right thigh, 1 cm from the transition to the upper body (size 5-7 cm). Through exercises, I have noticed that when I relieve the leg by elevating it, the pain partially subsides quite abruptly. Heat and cold also provide only minimal relief.

My question:

Could it be that the lipoma, being in motion (while walking) and being compressed (while sitting), is pressing on a nerve that is causing the pain in my back? I also have the impression that when the pain is present, the lipoma appears larger than when the pain subsides. Would removal be advisable?

Thank you for your help!

Dr. med. Ive Dr. Schaaf

Hello,

It is not to be assumed that the back pain is caused by the presumed lipoma. Also, the groin is an unusual location for a lipoma. It would be advisable to have this checked out. If it were leg pain, a connection with the lipoma could be possible, but it would still need to be clarified what it really is. At this point, a lymph node is much more likely.

Regarding your back pain, an osteopath may be able to contribute to the diagnosis and especially to the therapy. It is the responsibility of the general practitioner to ensure clarification.

If you could please describe how and when your pain occurs, it may be possible to develop an idea even from a distance.

Does this help you or do you have any further questions?

Get well soon, Dr. Schaaf