Expert: Dr. Kristina Conner - 10/6/2011

Question
Hello!

My son has a silver dollar sized lump right on top of his spine in his lower back.  My son just turned 2.  An allopathic doctor believes it to be a lipoma...however, this is only based on an ultrasound.  After review of the ultrasound, surgery was recommended for removal.  I am very worried to put him under with anesthesia and do surgery on something they are not even sure as to what it is.  Maybe it's my imagination, but it seems to be getting bigger (the lump). I really want to heal this through natural means. I want to do the right thing for him and his body.  I don't know what to do. I saw you, Dr. Conner, on the naturopathic website. I am looking for an N.D. that can help us.  I was told by a friend that has extreme knowledge in Naturopathy to give my son the following herbs: Shepard's Purse, Witch Hazel, Wild Alum Root and Sannicle.

Do you have any insight on this? Have you ever dealt with Lipomas?

Answer
Hello Ingrid,
What you describe is typical presentation for a lipoma, but it's unclear until a biopsy is obtained, and unfortunately the only way to biopsy is to take a sample.  And that does require surgical removal.  Until you know exactly what type of growth it is, you cannot be sure that it is safe to treat using natural methods alone.  One could always treat presumtively, of course, but most doctors (ND or MD, myself included) would not be comfortable in doing that without a clear diagnosis, especially in a child.  What would be best is to seek out a ND near you, either for primary treatment or even if you choose to get the surgery but would like more guidance on helping him heal afterwards and prevent future problems.  You can find one by area through www.naturedoctor.org.  
In health,
Dr Conner