The lipoma, described as the size of a three-liter jug, had been growing on the back of the man’s neck, causing pressure and impacting his daily life. For over a decade, the man had relied on simple ointments, hoping it would disappear on its own.

Dr. Igor Popyrin, head of the surgical department, expressed the team's astonishment at the patient's condition. He explained that the benign lipoma formed between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. Its location, near major blood vessels and nerves, made the surgery extremely delicate.

"Fortunately, the lipoma had not invaded any neighboring structures. This is the largest fatty structure in this location ever removed in the history of the department," Dr. Popyrin reported on the Kirov Regional Health Authority website on 22/9.

The lipoma, as large as the patient's head, was successfully removed on 22/9. Photo: Medkirov

The lipoma, as large as the patient's head, was successfully removed on 22/9. Photo: Medkirov

According to Dr. Popyrin, lipomas typically grow slowly and painlessly, leading many people to delay seeking professional medical attention. However, once they reach a substantial size, no ointments or traditional remedies can effectively treat them. "Surgical removal is the only effective treatment," he stated.

The exact cause of lipomas remains unclear, but it may involve fat metabolism disorders, genetic factors, or blocked sebaceous glands. The condition can occur in both sexes, regardless of hormonal or other individual factors.

Experts warn that allowing any tumor to persist poses a risk of it becoming malignant and compressing surrounding tissues, especially if it grows large. On 8/8, doctors at the Ramenskoye Regional Hospital removed a 10 kg lipoma from the back of a 50-year-old patient.

Binh Minh (New York Post, Izvestia)