A lipoma is a growth of fat cells in a thin, fibrous capsule
usually found just below the skin. Lipomas are found most often on the torso,
neck, upper thighs, upper arms, and armpits, but can occur almost anywhere in
the body. One or more lipomas may be present at the same time. Lipomas are the
most common noncancerous soft tissue growth.
What causes a lipoma?
The cause of lipomas is not completely understood, but the tendency
to develop them is inherited. A minor injury may trigger the growth. Being
overweight does not cause lipomas.
What are the symptoms of a lipoma?
Lipomas usually:
Are small [0.4 in. (1 cm) to
1.2 in. (3 cm)] and felt just
under the skin.
Are movable and have a soft, rubbery
consistency.
Do not cause pain.
Remain the same size
over years or grow very slowly.
Often the most bothersome symptom is the location or increased size
that makes the lipoma noticeable by others.
How are lipomas diagnosed?
A lipoma can usually be diagnosed by its appearance alone, but your
health professional may want to remove it to make sure the growth is
noncancerous.
How are lipomas treated?
Lipomas do not generally require treatment. Because lipomas are not
cancerous growths and cannot become cancerous, they do not need to be removed.
There is no known treatment to prevent lipomas or affect their growth.
A lipoma may be surgically removed if symptoms develop, such as if
the lipoma:
Becomes painful or tender.
Becomes
infected or inflamed repeatedly.
Drains foul-smelling
discharge.
Interferes with movement or
function.
Increases in size.
Becomes unsightly or
bothersome.
Most lipomas can be removed in the doctor's office or outpatient
surgery center. The doctor injects a
local anesthetic around the lipoma, makes an incision
in the skin, removes the growth, and closes the incision with stitches
(sutures). If the lipoma is in an area of the body that cannot be easily
reached through a simple incision in the skin, the lipoma may need to be
removed in the operating room under
general anesthesia.
Who is affected by lipomas?
Lipomas occur in all age groups but most often appear in middle
age. Single lipomas occur with equal frequency in men and women. Multiple
lipomas occur more frequently in men.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. For more information, click here.
