Lipoma

Description

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that's most often situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma, which feels soft, and is usually not tender, moves readily with slight finger pressure. Lipomas are usually detected in middle age. Some people have more than one lipoma.

A lipoma is not cancer and usually is harmless. The treatment is usually not required, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to remove.

Symptoms

Lipomas can occur in any part of the body. Normally, they are:

  • Located just below the skin. Commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
  • Smooth and soft to the touch. They also move easily with slight finger pressure.
  • Usually small. Lipomas are typically less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter, but can grow.
  • Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.

When to see a doctor

A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. But if you notice a lump or swelling in any part of your body, have it checked by your doctor.

Causes

The cause of lipomas has not been well understood. They tend to run in families, so genetic factors likely play a role in its development.

Risk factors

Several factors can increase your risk of developing a lipoma, including:

  • Between 40 and 60 years of age. Although lipomas can occur at any age, is more common in this age group.
  • Genetics. Lipomas tend to run in families.

Lipoma

Diagnosis

To diagnose a lipoma, your doctor may perform:

  • A physical exam
  • A tissue sample removal (biopsy) for lab examination
  • X-rays or other imaging tests, such as mri or ct scan, if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be deeper than the fat of the

There is a very small chance that a lump resembling a lipoma can actually be a form of cancer called liposarcoma. Liposarcomas — cancerous tumors in fatty tissues-grow rapidly, don't move under the skin and are usually painful. A biopsy or an mri or a ct scan is usually done if your doctor suspects a liposarcoma.

Treatment

Usually No treatment is required for a lipoma. However, if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, your doctor may recommend that you remove. Lipoma treatments include:

  • The surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising. A technique known as minimal excision of extraction may result in less scarring.
  • The liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fat in the dough.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely to start by seeing your family doctor or primary care physician. Then, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist).

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

  • List of symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Make a list of the medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.
  • List of questions to ask your doctor.

Prepare a list of questions can help you make the most of your time with your doctor. For lipoma, some basic questions to ask include:

  • The cause of this growth?
  • Is cancer?
  • Need proof?
  • Will this lump will always be there?
  • Can I remove it?
  • What is involved in removing it? Are there risks?
  • It is likely to return, or am I likely to get another?
  • Do you have any brochures or other resources do I have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions that occur to you.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you questions, too, including:

  • When he noticed the lump?
  • Has it grown?
  • Has had a growth similar in the past?
  • Is the lump painful?
  • Have others in your family has had similar lumps?
Symptoms and treatment of Lipoma