Soft Tissue Tumor Removal in Houston, TX

Finding a lump or growth under your skin can be unsettling. The good news is that many soft tissue masses are benign and treatable, but any new or changing lump should still be evaluated. At Advanced Houston Surgical, Dr. Rizwan Chaudhry performs soft tissue tumor removal in Houston, TX, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to remove the growth, confirm what it is, and get you back to your normal life with as little disruption as possible.

What Is a Soft Tissue Tumor?

A soft tissue tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that begins in the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues include fat, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and tissue around the joints. Soft tissue tumors can develop almost anywhere in the body and vary widely in size, location, and type.

The word tumor does not automatically mean cancer. The majority of soft tissue masses that people discover are benign, meaning they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, because some soft tissue tumors can be malignant, any new or changing lump should be evaluated by a surgeon.

Soft Tissue Tumor Removal in Houston, TX

Common Types of Soft Tissue Tumors We Treat

Dr. Chaudhry provides expert, comprehensive care for a wide variety of soft tissue masses, including:

Benign Tumors

The most common soft tissue masses Dr. Chaudhry removes are lipomas and Epidermoid cysts, sometimes mistakenly referred to as sebaceous cysts. Lipomas are slow-growing collections of fat cells that form just beneath the skin.

They are usually soft, movable, and painless, but can be removed if they are growing, pressing on surrounding tissue, or simply bothering you. Epidermoid cysts are closed sacs under the skin that fill with a protein called keratin.

Most are benign, but removal may be recommended if they become inflamed, infected, or symptomatic.

Malignant Tumors

Dr. Chaudhry also treats soft tissue sarcomas, which are cancerous tumors that form in the soft tissues of the body. They are much less common than benign growths, but when they do occur, early evaluation and treatment are important for achieving the best possible outcomes.

When malignancy is suspected, the goal is complete removal with appropriate surgical margins. Our surgeon has the surgical training necessary to approach these cases thoroughly and carefully.

When Should a Soft Tissue Mass Be Evaluated?

Not all lumps need immediate surgery, but there are times when having it checked out sooner rather than later is the right move. You should see a surgeon if the mass is:

  • Growing rapidly
  • Larger than 5 centimeters (about the size of a golf ball)
  • Firm, enlarging, or fixed
  • Causes pain, numbness, or tingling
  • Appears deep beneath the skin rather than just under the surface

Any lump that has changed in size, shape, or feel over a short period of time is also worth having looked at promptly. Even if you have had a lump for a long time and it has not caused any problems, it is worth confirming what it is. A physical exam and imaging studies can often determine whether further testing or removal is advised.

How Dr. Chaudhry Performs Soft Tissue Removal

The technique depends on the size, location, and suspected nature of the tumor. Smaller benign tumors such as lipomas and cysts are often simple procedures that can be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Dr. Chaudhry makes a small incision, removes the growth, and closes the site.

Most patients go home the same day and are back to light activity within a few days. Some masses may require imaging or biopsy before surgery to guide treatment planning. General anesthesia may be required, and the procedure may involve a more extensive dissection to ensure complete removal.

In cases where malignancy is suspected, our surgeon takes great care to remove the tumor with clear margins, meaning enough surrounding tissue is taken to reduce the risk of any cancerous cells being left behind.

In all cases, the removed tissue is sent to a pathologist for analysis. So you have a confirmed diagnosis after the procedure rather than just a clinical assumption about what the growth was.

Your Local Soft Tissue Tumor Removal Specialist in Houston, TX

Soft tissue tumor removal requires a surgeon who understands both the technical demands of complete excision and the importance of tissue analysis in confirming the diagnosis. Our surgeon brings that combination of surgical precision and diagnostic awareness to every case he handles.

Dr. Chaudhry is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and completed his general surgery residency at the Mayo Clinic and an advanced fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic. He takes a minimally invasive approach whenever appropriate, which means smaller incisions and a more comfortable recovery for the patient.

He also emphasizes clear communication throughout the evaluation and treatment process, helping patients better understand their diagnosis and treatment options. Dr. Chaudhry will review your pathology results with you and tell you what the next steps might be. If needed, your surgeon could coordinate with oncology specialists for comprehensive treatment planning.

We are in network with most major PPO insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, United Healthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, and Medicare. Our team handles insurance verification and pre-authorization so you can focus on your health rather than paperwork. Flexible payment plans are available for patients who need them.

FAQs

Will the tumor come back after removal?

For most benign tumors, complete removal means the growth does not come back. Incomplete removal or certain types of tumors can sometimes recur. Therefore, Dr. Chaudhry emphasizes the importance of having clear margins in excisions. The pathology report provides the diagnosis and indicates whether the surgical margins are clear.

How long does recovery take?

Most patients can resume light activity within a few days after minor outpatient procedures. Larger or deeper tumor removals may require a longer recovery of a week or two before returning to normal activity.

How should I prepare for surgery to remove a soft tissue tumor?

You will receive specific post-operative instructions based on your particular surgery. This may include fasting before surgery and stopping certain medications. You may also arrange for someone to drive you home if sedation or general anesthesia is involved.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Highly Rated Bariatric Surgical Care

Schedule Your Appointment Today!

If you have a soft tissue mass that has been on your mind, do not keep putting it off. Dr. Chaudhry performs expert soft tissue tumor removal in Houston, TX, when required. Call us at (713) 263 3900 to book your appointment.