If you have a non-cancerous skin mass, like a cyst or lipoma, consider outpatient surgical removal. Thanks to modern tools and anesthetics, the process is quick and pain-free. At Dr. Melinda Nicole Lamb MD in Costa Mesa, California, Dr. Lamb specializes in the removal of skin masses. To make an appointment, call or click the online booking feature today.

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What is a skin mass?

A skin mass is a bump or a lump that develops on or just beneath the surface of your skin. They can be painful or make you feel self-conscious about the appearance of your skin or be pre-cancerous or even cancer.

If you have an unusual skin growth and you’re concerned it might point to a more serious underlying issue, make an appointment with Dr. Lamb right away.

What are some common skin masses?

Dr. Lamb treats various types of skin masses, including:

  • Lipomas (non-cancerous, fatty tumors)
  • Cysts are fluid filled masses that form due to infection or clogged sebaceous glands
  • Skin cancer
  • Warts
  • Dermatofibromas (scar tissue from acne lesions or bug bites)
  • Cysts

When should I see a surgeon about a skin mass?

Make an appointment with Dr. Lamb if you have a skin mass that affects your quality of life or is changing in appearance or size.

How is a skin mass diagnosed?

To diagnose a skin mass, Dr. Lamb reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when you first noticed the mass, if it’s changed size, and if it bothers you during certain activities.

Next, Dr. Lamb examines the mass. She gently presses on it to determine if it’s filled with fat or fluid and assesses the surrounding skin to see if it’s red, warm, or tender to the touch. If these steps don’t provide enough info, Dr. Lamb might also order lab tests, like blood work and a biopsy or diagnostic imaging, like X-rays, a CT scan, or an ultrasound.

After diagnosing your skin mass, Dr. Lamb develops a custom treatment plan.

How is a skin mass treated?

Dr. Lamb treats skin masses by surgically removing them. Depending on the type, size, and location of your mass, she might recommend:

Curettage and electrodesiccation

If your skin mass is easy to see and access, Dr. Lamb might recommend curettage and electrodesiccation. To do that, she administers a local anesthetic and removes the lump of tissue with a sharp surgical instrument. Then, she uses an electrosurgical unit to stop the bleeding.

Surgical excision

If the mass is beneath your skin, Dr. Lamb might recommend surgical excision. To do that, she administers a local anesthetic and uses special surgical tools to cut into your skin and remove the growth. Then, she stitches the incision closed.

To explore the different types of skin mass removal, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Melinda Nicole Lamb MD by calling the office or clicking the online booking feature today.