Have you suddenly noticed a small lump under your skin? The first impulse is often to look for answers online. Searches for “lipoma”, “sebaceous cyst” or “painful boil” are among the most common in the medical category. But diagnosing yourself in front of the mirror can be misleading.
In this article, we explain how to tell apart the most common lumps under the skin and why removing them in an outpatient setting is the quickest and safest solution.
What are the most common lumps under the skin?
Lumps under the skin can be anything from completely harmless fatty deposits to acute inflammation that needs immediate treatment.
Lipoma, or fatty lump
Lipoma is a benign soft tissue growth.
- What does it look like? Soft, painless and easy to move when you feel it with your fingers.
- Does it need treatment? A lipoma will not go away on its own. If it becomes a cosmetic concern or presses on nearby nerves, lipoma removal is recommended.
Atheroma – sebaceous cyst
An atheroma forms when a sebaceous (oil) gland in the skin becomes blocked.
- What does it look like? A firmer lump, often with a black dot in the centre (the gland’s opening).
- Atheromas often become inflamed, turning red and very painful. Removing an atheroma while it is calm is much simpler than once it has started to fester.
- The danger – atheromas are “time bombs”. Bacteria can get in at any moment, causing rapid, pus-filled inflammation. Surgeon’s tip: it is best to remove an atheroma while it is not inflamed.
Furuncles and carbuncles (boils)
These are acute bacterial infections.
- Furuncle – a pus-filled infection around a hair follicle.
- Carbuncle – a cluster of several furuncles that affects deeper layers of tissue and can cause fever.
- Important! Never try to squeeze them yourself! This can spread the infection into the bloodstream.
How to recognise the lump?
| Sign | Lipoma | Atheroma | Furuncle / Carbuncle |
| Pain | None | Only if inflamed | Severe, throbbing |
| Consistency | Soft | Medium-firm | Hard, hot area |
| Colour | Skin-coloured | Skin-coloured or bluish | Bright red |
| Solution | Planned surgery | Planned or urgent | Urgent surgery |
Why choose outpatient surgery?
Many patients hesitate to seek help because they fear the hospital environment and a long recovery. Outpatient surgery is a modern approach that removes these fears:
- Quick procedure – most operations (lipoma or atheroma removal) take only 15–30 minutes.
- Local anaesthesia – you will feel no pain, you stay fully conscious, and no general anaesthesia is needed.
- Back to daily life – you can go home straight after the procedure and return to most of your usual activities the next day.
- Minimal scarring – the surgeon uses cosmetic stitches and techniques so that the scar is almost invisible once it has healed.
Dr. Jānis Opincāns
General surgeon
When should you see a surgeon straight away?
Don’t wait for a planned appointment if you notice any of these symptoms:
- The lump has become hot, red and is growing quickly.
- Severe, throbbing pain has appeared.
- Your body temperature has risen and you feel generally weak.
- Pus or foul-smelling fluid is coming out of the lump.
How is the operation done in an outpatient setting?
Many patients put off their appointment because they are afraid of “surgery”. In fact, outpatient surgery is a very gentle and straightforward process.
Preparation
Special preparation is usually not needed. You come to the clinic, and the surgeon examines you and confirms the diagnosis.
The procedure
- Local anaesthesia – a painkiller is injected into the area (similar to the dentist). You will feel touch, but no pain at all.
- Excision of the lump – the surgeon makes a small, precise incision. With atheromas and lipomas, it is critically important to remove the growth together with its entire capsule – only this can guarantee that the lump will not grow back.
- Stitches and dressing – the wound is closed with fine sutures to keep the scar minimal, and a sterile dressing is applied.
How long does it take?
The whole process, including paperwork and anaesthesia, takes 20 to 40 minutes. You can go home straight after the procedure and drive a car.
Recovery
Outpatient surgery does not knock you out of your daily routine.
- The first days – the wound must not be soaked. Follow the dressing schedule given by your surgeon.
- Physical activity– for a couple of days, avoid intense workouts and the sauna.
- Stitch removal: Usually after 7–14 days, depending on where the lump was. It is a quick and completely painless process.
Frequently asked questions
Lipomas and atheromas do not resolve on their own. Furuncles may burst, but without proper treatment they often come back or leave unsightly scars.
In most cases sick leave is not needed, and the patient can go to work the next day. Exceptions are severe carbuncles or work in a particularly dirty environment.
Outpatient operations are much more affordable than inpatient surgery, because you don’t pay for a hospital ward or full general anaesthesia. The exact cost depends on the size and complexity of the lump.
Questions about your health?
Specialist doctors see patients at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga. Our reception will help you choose the right specialist and time.
