Soft Tissue Mass

Finding an unusual lump on your body can be a frightening experience. If you have a soft tissue mass and aren’t sure if you need treatment, you can schedule an evaluation at Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC. The providers specialize in advanced surgical techniques to remove a soft tissue mass with minimal risk for scarring or complications. To find out if soft tissue mass removal surgery is right for you, call the office in Somerville, New Jersey, or book an appointment online today. 

What is a soft tissue mass?

A soft tissue mass is a collection of skin cells, fat, and other substances that form on or near muscles, ligaments, cartilage, and other soft tissues. These masses can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, offers comprehensive treatment services for several types of soft tissue masses, including cysts and lipomas.

Cysts

Cysts form as lumps under your skin. These sacs fill with oils or other substances and can grow larger over time. In some cases, cysts can be painful if they become infected or inflamed.

Lipoma

A lipoma is a fatty lump that develops between your muscle and skin. Typically, a lipoma is harmless, but if it grows large enough, it can press on surrounding nerves and cause pain.

Often, the underlying cause of a soft tissue mass isn’t well understood. You might be at an increased risk for developing a mass due to your genetic makeup or because of a family history of soft tissue masses.

When should I seek treatment for a soft tissue mass?

You should schedule a consultation for a soft tissue mass if the visible lump grows quickly or if you have symptoms that interfere with your quality of life. These symptoms can include pain, tenderness, or swelling.

If you have a soft tissue mass on the bottom of your foot, you should schedule an evaluation if you experience a loss of mobility.

How is a soft tissue mass treated?

The standard treatment for a bothersome soft tissue mass is surgery. However, not all masses require treatment. Your Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, provider can evaluate the type of soft tissue mass you have and its location to determine if you need surgery. They may also order testing to determine if the mass is benign or cancerous.

If you have a large or painful soft tissue mass, the surgeon uses minimally invasive techniques to excise a cyst or remove a lipoma. Some soft tissue surgeries may be more complex than others, especially if the soft tissues contain a lot of nerves and blood vessels.

If testing reveals the mass is cancerous, you may need additional treatments like radiation or chemotherapy to destroy any remaining cancer cells.

The surgeon can discuss your options for surgery during your initial consultation so that you can make the most informed decision about your treatment.

Schedule a soft tissue mass evaluation online or call Somerset Surgical Associates, LLC, today to learn more about your treatment options.