Dr. Gaurav Sangam | Best Proctologist and General Surgeon

Lipoma

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth of fatty tissue that usually develops just beneath the skin. While generally harmless, lipomas can sometimes cause discomfort or concern due to their appearance or size.

What Is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows slowly under the skin. These growths are made up of fat cells and are typically round or oval in shape. They can occur anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs. Lipomas are usually painless and movable when touched.

Characteristics of a Lipoma

Size: Lipomas are typically small, ranging from 1 to 3 centimetres, but they can grow larger in some cases.
Texture: They are soft to the touch and may feel rubbery.
Mobility: Lipomas are mobile, meaning they can move slightly under the skin when pressed.
Pain: Most lipomas are painless, but they can cause discomfort if they press against nerves or develop near joints.

Causes of Lipomas

The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to their development:

Genetics: Lipomas can run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition to developing these growths.
Age: Lipomas are most common in middle-aged adults between 40 and 60 years old.
Trauma: Some experts believe that injuries or trauma to a particular area of the body might trigger the formation of a lipoma, though this is not always the case.
Medical Conditions: Certain rare conditions, such as Dercum’s disease or Gardner syndrome, are associated with the formation of multiple lipomas.

Symptoms of Lipoma

While many lipomas go unnoticed, you should consult a healthcare provider if you experience the following:

A soft, doughy lump that moves under the skin.
A lump that is growing in size.
Pain or discomfort in the area of the lump.
Skin discoloration or changes over the lump (though rare).

Diagnosis of Lipoma

Diagnosing a lipoma is usually straightforward. Your healthcare provider will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, such as:

Ultrasound: To assess the composition of the lump and its relationship to surrounding tissues.
MRI or CT Scan: These are used for larger or deeper lipomas to provide a detailed view of the growth and ensure it is not connected to deeper structures.
Biopsy: In rare cases, a biopsy may be performed to confirm that the lump is a benign lipoma and not a liposarcoma (a rare, malignant tumor).

Treatment Options for Lipoma

Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause pain, discomfort, or cosmetic concerns. Treatment options include:

Surgical Removal: The most common and effective treatment for lipomas is surgical excision. During this procedure, the entire lipoma is removed, ensuring it doesn’t recur. This is usually done under local anesthesia for smaller lipomas.
Liposuction: Liposuction may be used to remove larger lipomas. This involves using a thin, hollow tube (cannula) to suction out the fatty tissue. While effective, this method may leave some fatty tissue behind, increasing the likelihood of recurrence.
Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections may be used to shrink the size of the lipoma, but they typically do not remove the growth entirely.
Observation: If the lipoma is small, painless, and not growing, your doctor may recommend regular observation without immediate treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Although most lipomas are harmless, you should consult a healthcare professional if:

The lump is growing rapidly.
The lump becomes painful or tender.
You notice changes in the overlying skin, such as redness, swelling, or discoloration.
The lump is firm, fixed, or feels different from a typical lipoma.

Prevention of Lipomas

There are no guaranteed ways to prevent lipomas, especially if they are genetically predisposed. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, may help reduce the likelihood of developing multiple lipomas.

Conclusion

Lipomas are generally benign and do not pose significant health risks. However, if you notice a lump that is growing, painful, or changing in any way, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Surgical removal remains the most effective option for managing symptomatic or bothersome lipomas.