I have a 2cm lipoma on my back, which has been there for about 10 years and never caused any problems until now.

A few weeks ago for no obvious reason it began to get painful, starting at a single point on the edge and steadily increasing

so that now about half of the circumference and half of the skin covering it is inflamed; red, painful and warm to the touch.

It seems like its the skin surrounding the lipoma rather than the lipoma itself which is inflamed.

I didn't have it treated before because it was benign but i think now i should have it removed. My questions are; what is the best treatment?

I understand surgical removal or lipo-suction or lipo-lysis are possible. Surgery seems the most frequent option but I wonder if this

may not be a good idea whilst the skin is very inflamed.

Where to get it done? I'm in Bangkok and I guess this is a simple out-patient procedure, Is there anything to look for or avoid in

choosing the doctor or hospital? Do I need to see a dermatologist or any other specialist or can I go straight to a surgeon?

Any other comments or suggestions?

Thanks in advance for all helpful replies.

It sounds as though it may be infected. Best seek early surgical advice which can be easily obtained from any hospital.

The Drs. may wish to treat the infection prior to formally excising the lipoma.

It is a simple procedure which will be undertaken on a day case basis.

As posted above..

Surgery can not be done while the cyst is inflamed as it will result in undue bleeding and may actually spread the infection.

It is a relatively simple procedure for a 2cm lipoma and can easily be done under local anaesthetic but only after the redness is gone or subdued at least and no other sign of infection. Best to get a consult with a plastic surgeon at any one of the big hospitals.

I have had several, some have got infected, took antibiotics, and haven't had any trouble since. I had one that antibiotics didn't work, ended up spending six days in the hospital under IV treatment to get rid of the infection and then they removed the cyst.

Can anyone please give current prices they've paid or been quoted?

Thank youl

Every skin infection I have had we start with Fucidin (Sodium fusidate) ointment for a few days to try and get infection under control. If all is then well have I had Steroid injections done on one to reduce size (actually after several almost gone and seems to last a long time). If you require surgery plastic will be much more expensive than normal so point out you have financial concerns (on your back it should really not require plastic surgery at 25k or more). If only injections believe I pay about 2-3k with visit.

Edit: been too long to be sure but believe normal small surgery runs about 5k. At any rate much cheaper than plastic surgeon who have a set price if using OR. This is at mid range private hospital.