Some tidbits on Lipoma

Due to my recent "scare," I decided to post something about Lipoma. If you have read my previous article about my being scared because of the lump on my right axillary, this is a tribute to that.

Lipoma is a tumor but a benign one. Meaning, it does not pose any threat to one's health. It may be a bit cumbersome specially if you develop it around your armpit areas. That means you cannot wear sleeveless shirts because the bulge shows. This particular tumor is normally fatty tissue, movable, soft to the touch and generally painless. My case was slightly different because I was feeling a tingling sensation and sometimes it hurts. However, two doctors already confirmed it is benign so I will rest my case but will be vigilant.

Most lipomas are found on adults ranging from 40-50 years old. The size varies from less than a centimeter to a greater than 6 centimeters. Mine was around 3 cms in diameter so whenever I wear sleeveless clothes, I can actually see the bulge like a pin cushion stuck on my pit!

Treatment of lipoma is normally not necessary as they are harmless unless they cause inconvenience, constricts movement and is painful. Lipomas are removed by simple excision on the affected area.

There are various kinds of lipomas so I would suggest you do your own research. It will be lengthy to discuss all of them here.

I strongly recommend everyone to do a monthly check not only on your chest area but also on your armpits as we have lymph nodes there. If you can see or feel a lump and is a bit worried, just have it checked and put your worries to rest. It is very difficult and consuming to think and wonder what is wrong with you if you do not act. Women are not the only ones affected by this by the way, men too can have breast cancer.


(info source: Wikipedia, Mayo Clinic, Wrong Diagnosis)

I Got Scared

I have been very quiet lately. I was just in that gray corner of my world because I thought I had a serious lump to deal with. I am not new to having lumps because I had one extracted from the right side of my chest when I was 18. Back then, breast cancer is never heard of so I did not have my small lump taken for biopsy. The doctor said it was a benign cyst and that was it. No explanation, nothing.

Many years have passed and my scar has healed. Lately, I noticed a bigger lump just under my right armpit or the axillary area. The lump at times would have a tingling sensation and sometimes painful. I got scared! I was flooded with bad thoughts because breast cancer or lymphomas are now very common. I had serious crying spells, sleepless nights, and dark moods.

I decided to have my armpit checked by a specialist. I had my ultrasound last Monday. I received my result the same day but have the diagnosis read yesterday. The interval between Monday and Tuesday seemed like eternity as I waited and wondered for the "what if." I prayed so hard that it was nothing serious or something I could not handle. The verdict - benign lipoma. I will talk about lipoma some other time. For now, let me just glorify our Lord for hearing my prayers.

The doctor advised me to not take any hormonal pills but to lose weight. Yes my dear family and friends, I am a fatty! So there, I have to lose weight. Probably, I will chronicle my experience as I go full-speed on my weight loss goal. I have to not for vanity sake but for my health and my family.

These past few weeks have been very, very hard on me. I am glad it is over and I have to be strict with my food intake or I am just fooling myself.

Thank you Lord for being by my side during this whole ordeal when I did not know what was happening and what would happen. Thank you so much.