Question
I discovered this lump years ago and had it examined by a few different doctors who all seemed to agree on it being a "fatty tissue cyst". When I first noticed it, it was only the size of a dime, it is now the size of a silver dollar and causes me a great deal of pain down my right leg when bumped, rubbed, or pressure from clothing is applied. Can you please help me understand why it has grown so large and has started causing pain upon touch? I've seen neurologists and had MRI's performed on it and they say it's not touching any nerves, therefore, shouldn't be causing me any pain. Please give me advice on what to do?

Answer
Dear Buffy,

Lipomas, or fatty tissue benign tumors, are quite common in the lower back area. Usually they are not much of a bother, but from time to time they can become painful.

Your neurologist is correct in that it probably is not butting up against any spinal nerves, but I have seen many of these that become painful, and "refer" pain into other parts of the body.

We are unsure why some people develop lipomas and others don't (you are not alone... I tend to have them as well!)

Usually these lipomas are left alone, but I have heard of some taking the option of having them cut out.  

Of course, all of my comments are on the assumption that this is a lipoma.  There is a possibility of this growth being something else... so you might consider having it biopsied since it is growing... and if it is being biopsied, it might as well be excised.  The problem is that often lipomas want to grow back.

I hope that this gives you some ideas.

Keith Biggs, DC
http://www.eastmesachiropractor.com