Do vulvar lipomas require surgery?

Generally, whether surgery is required for a vulvar lipoma depends on its size. Small vulvar lipomas typically do not require surgical removal, whereas larger lipomas may necessitate surgery. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:

If the vulvar lipoma is small and does not cause any discomfort, observation without immediate surgery is usually advised. Small lipomas tend to grow slowly and have minimal impact on the body. Patients need only undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor any size changes or the development of symptoms such as pain.

However, larger lipomas may compress surrounding tissues and cause discomfort, such as a sensation of heaviness in the vulva or discomfort during walking or sitting. In such cases, surgical treatment is generally considered. Surgery allows complete removal of the lipoma, relieving pressure on surrounding tissues and alleviating symptoms. If the lipoma rapidly increases in size over a short period or exhibits abnormal signs such as pain or ulceration, timely surgical excision and pathological examination are necessary to rule out the possibility of malignancy.

Patients should maintain cleanliness and dryness of the vulva in daily life, avoid friction or irritation of the lipoma, and undergo regular follow-up examinations to monitor any changes.