Liposurfomas in Surfers: Evaluation and Treatment in San Juan Capistrano
Noticed a lump on your chest where it rests against your surfboard? HK Dermatology can evaluate the growth, discuss whether it may be a liposurfoma, and help you understand your options.
Request an appointment: Call (949) 248-1632.
What is a liposurfoma?
A liposurfoma is a term proposed for a fatty, fibrous growth beneath the skin of a surfer’s chest wall. These growths have been observed where the chest repeatedly presses against a shortboard during prone paddling. They often appear on both sides of the lower chest or upper abdomen.
Not every chest-wall lump in a surfer is a liposurfoma. An examination is important to determine what the growth may be.
Common signs
A liposurfoma may appear as a slowly developing, soft or compressible lump on one or both sides of the chest wall. Some people notice soreness where the area presses against their board; others are concerned mainly about its appearance.
Arrange an evaluation if you notice a new lump, a lump that is growing or changing, or an area that becomes painful.
How are liposurfomas evaluated?
Your provider will ask when you first noticed the growth, whether it has changed, and how often you surf. They will examine the area and discuss whether further evaluation is needed before considering treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is not always necessary. Depending on the evaluation and your preferences, options may include observing the area, reducing pressure while paddling with protective padding, or discussing removal.
In a published case series, some liposurfomas were surgically removed and others were reduced with tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia. Removal can leave a scar, and a growth may persist or return if the same pressure continues. Your provider can explain the potential benefits and limits of each approach for your situation.
Why choose HK Dermatology?
Dr. Jeffrey Klein of HK Dermatology coauthored a published case series describing seven surfers with liposurfomas. He also developed the tumescent liposuction technique, which HK Dermatology offers at its San Juan Capistrano practice. That combination of research and procedural experience makes HK a place to start a conversation about a possible liposurfoma.
Frequently asked questions
Are liposurfomas cancerous?
The growths described in the published case series were benign. Still, do not assume an unexplained lump is a liposurfoma. Have it evaluated.
Do I need to stop surfing?
That depends on your symptoms and goals. If pressure from paddling is causing discomfort, your provider can discuss ways to reduce it, including protective padding.
Will a liposurfoma go away on its own?
The case series noted that growths may change with surfing activity, but you should not count on a lump disappearing. An evaluation can help you decide whether observation or treatment is appropriate.
Can a liposurfoma return after treatment?
It may. Continued pressure from surfing is an important point to discuss when considering removal.
Schedule an evaluation
HK Dermatology is located at 30280 Rancho Viejo Rd, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675. To request an appointment, call (949) 248-1632.