Doctors normally do a physical inspection of the suspected lipoma and then may order imaging tests to determine if the growth is a lipoma, a cyst, or a rare type of cancer that looks similar to a lipoma but is usually painful. The imaging test will also help determine the exact location of the growth, how deep it has grown, whether it is interfering with any nerves, and if it has visible blood vessels. Once the doctor has determined that the growth is a lipoma the patient and doctor together can determine the best treatment plan.