Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Soft Tissue Masses — General Diagnosis
Lipoma and skin cysts — exam, ultrasound, and MRI when needed
The first step is history and examination: how long it has been present, how fast it grows, whether it hurts, and whether prior infection occurred. Imaging clarifies the diagnosis; biopsy or excision with pathology is used when malignancy is suspected.
Educational schematic. Some structures may be simplified or emphasized for clarity; not an exact anatomical depiction.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
Hero figure: exam, ultrasound, and MRI pathway for a superficial lump.
Key points
What examination checks
Size, depth, mobility, pain, skin changes, and regional lymph nodes.
- Superficial + mobile → lipoma or cyst more likely
- Deep + fixed → imaging required
- Rapid growth → do not delay evaluation
Ultrasound
Superficial lipomas often show homogeneous fat echogenicity; cysts show a walled structure. Septation, heterogeneous solid areas, or deep muscle-plane invasion raises concern.
- Key note inside
When is MRI used?
MRI may be requested for size over 5 cm, deep location, recurrence, liposarcoma suspicion, or when surgical margins need clearer mapping.
Biopsy or excision?
Small superficial lipomas or cysts may go straight to excision plus pathology. Deep lesions or malignancy concern may need core biopsy or multidisciplinary review.
- Key note inside
Nevus and pigmented lesions
ABCDE criteria and dermoscopy guide pigmented lesions — see the nevus diagnosis chapter for the full pathway.
- Key note inside
Liposarcoma suspicion
Deep, large, or septated fatty masses need MRI and biopsy — see the liposarcoma diagnosis chapter.
Frequently asked questions
Is ultrasound enough for every lump?
Often for superficial masses. Deep, large, or suspicious lesions may need MRI or tissue diagnosis.
Can a doctor diagnose lipoma by feel alone?
Sometimes, but atypical features need imaging — and sometimes pathology.
More chapters in this hub
Lipoma
Benign fatty masses — when to observe or excise
Skin Cysts
Epidermoid and pilar cysts — inflammation, infection, and excision
General Treatment
Lipoma and skin cysts — observation and excision
Moles and Melanoma
Ordinary moles, common myths, and why change matters
Mole Diagnosis
Biopsy, Breslow thickness, and the sentinel node
Melanoma Surgery
Wide excision, sentinel decision, and advanced disease
Liposarcoma
Deep fatty malignancy — not a lipoma
Liposarcoma Diagnosis
MRI, biopsy, and tumor board
Liposarcoma Treatment
Wide excision, radiotherapy, and surveillance
Retroperitoneal Masses
Deep abdominal tumors — imaging and resection
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.