A lipoma is an overgrowth of fatty tissue. It is soft but has a distinct shape. It can be superficial, i.e just underneath the skin, or deep, usually right on top of or within the muscle. Small lipomas (5cm or less) can be removed in the office with local anesthetic.

An epidermal cyst is a sac of dead skin cells and debris right underneath the skin. It usually includes a small black pore in the center of the lump. These cysts can sometimes get infected and form an abscess. If an abscess is present, it will need to be drained. If there is no abscess present, a small cyst can be removed in the office.

A pilar cyst is a round cyst that is often found on the scalp. They are very obvious in appearance. The cyst has a thick wall and is usually associated with hair follicles. If you have a lump on the scalp, this can be removed in the office with local anesthetic.

A skin tag is an overgrowth of skin, usually in areas with high friction (armpit, along the bra strap, on the neck, etc). These can be removed in the office after application of local anesthetic.

An abscess is an infection. These can be superficial, right under the skin. They can also be deep in the skin, muscle or inside the body. A superficial abscess, just under the skin, looks like a red, hot, painful lump. These can be drainaed in the office with local anesthetic.