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Stanford Health Care

Diagnosis

How We Can Help You

The doctors in the Stanford Health Care Dermatologic Surgery program not only have the expertise to help improve the health and appearance of your skin, they are leading the development of new technologies and techniques not yet available at other centers.

What We Offer You For Cysts, Lipomas, and Moles

  • Fellowship-trained specialists who are global leaders in aesthetic dermatology and dermatologic surgery – active clinical researchers who teach and lecture around the world.
  • Advanced treatment options including laser treatments, precision surgical expertise, and innovative solutions for pigmented skin.
  • A comfortable center that is easily accessible from Highway 101.

Treatment for Cysts, Lipomas, and Moles

Even if a mole, cyst, or lipoma is harmless, you may wish to have it removed for cosmetic reasons or because it is growing larger, causes irritation, or is painful.

Cysts can be drained, injected with steroids to reduce swelling, or be surgically removed.

Lipomas are surgically removed using the least invasive method possible. Another technique that works for some lipomas is liposuction, using a need and syringe to remove the fatty lump.

Depending on their size, location, and type, moles can be removed with a “shave removal” technique or be cut out and the wound closed with stitches.

What are Cysts, Lipomas, and Moles?

Diagnosing Cysts, Lipomas, and Moles

Cysts

Doctors can usually diagnose a cyst just by looking at it. However, in some cases, your doctor may perform a biopsy (removal of a small skin sample) for laboratory analysis. The goal is to make sure that what appears to be a cyst isn’t actually a tumor, and, if so, to detect and treat it early.

Lipomas

Your doctor likely will perform a physical examination. It also may be helpful to perform a biopsy and examine tissue from the lipoma in a laboratory. If the lipoma is big or has other unusual features, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan. This is to get a sense of the extent of the lipoma, to rule out any concerning features, and to make sure the lipoma isn’t cancer (called “liposarcoma,” when tumors grow in fatty tissue).

Moles

To diagnose moles, your doctor will perform a physical examination. To make sure the mole isn’t cancer, your doctor also may remove a small sample of tissue (a procedure called a “biopsy”) for examination under a microscope.

Your doctor is also likely to ask you a few questions, such as:

  • When did you first notice the mole?
  • Is it new, or was it always there and has recently changed
  • Have you noticed any changes in its color, shape, or both?
  • Have you had moles surgically removed in the past?
  • Do you know if they were unusual (atypical) or malignant?
  • Do you have a family history of atypical moles, melanoma or other cancers?
  • Have you had peeling sunburns or frequent exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV rays), such as from tanning beds?

Our Clinics

Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery
The Mohs and Dermatologic Surgery Clinic at Stanford is a nationally recognized leader in skin cancer management, Mohs micrographic surgery and other dermatologic procedures.
450 Broadway Street
 Pavilion B, 4th Floor
 Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: 650-725-5272 Getting Here »
Make An Appointment

To schedule an appointment, please call: 650-725-5272