A lipoma is a common, slow-growing, benign (non-cancerous) tumor made of fat cells that forms a soft, doughy lump just under the skin. While typically harmless, they can appear anywhere on the body, most frequently on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, and abdomen.
Symptoms
A lipoma can be identified by its characteristic feel and slow growth.
- Soft and doughy: When touched, the lump feels soft or doughy and moves easily with slight finger pressure.
- Typically painless: Most lipomas do not cause pain. However, they may become painful if they grow large enough to press on nearby nerves or contain many blood vessels.
- Encapsulated: A lipoma is contained within a fibrous capsule and does not spread to surrounding tissues.
- Location: While most are just under the skin (subcutaneous), some can grow deeper within the body, affecting muscles or internal organs.
When to see a doctor ?
You should consult a healthcare professional to confirm a diagnosis and rule out more serious conditions, such as liposarcoma, a rare cancerous tumor that can resemble a lipoma. Signs that warrant a doctor’s visit include a lump that is:
- Painful or tender
- Growing rapidly
- Firm, hard, or fixed in place
- Causing discomfort or affecting movement
Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but some factors can increase a person’s risk.
- Genetics: Lipomas tend to run in families, suggesting a hereditary link.
- Age: They are most common in adults between 40 and 60, though they can occur at any age.
- Injury: Some studies suggest a possible link between a physical injury to an area and the formation of a lipoma, but this has not been scientifically proven.
- Underlying conditions: In some rare cases, multiple lipomas can be associated with genetic disorders like Familial Multiple Lipomatosis, Gardner’s Syndrome, or Dercum’s disease.
Treatment
Treatment for lipomas is typically not necessary unless they are painful, growing, or causing cosmetic concerns. Options include:
- Surgical removal: This is a common and effective method where the lipoma is cut out, with a low chance of recurrence.
- Liposuction: This involves removing fatty tissue with a needle and syringe. It may lead to less scarring but is less effective than surgery, especially for encapsulated lipomas.
- Steroid injections: These injections can shrink a lipoma but usually do not remove it entirely.
There is no scientific evidence to support home remedies or dietary changes for shrinking or preventing lipomas
Can a lipoma be cancerous?
No, a lipoma is not cancerous. A lipoma is a benign, or non-cancerous, tumor made of fat cells. A rare, cancerous tumor that develops in fat cells is called a liposarcoma, and it is a completely separate condition.
While liposarcomas are very rare, they can sometimes be mistaken for lipomas. Because of this, any new lump you find should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Key differences between lipoma and liposarcoma
Your doctor will be able to distinguish between a benign lipoma and a potentially cancerous liposarcoma based on several characteristics:
| Feature | Lipoma (Benign) | Liposarcoma (Potentially Malignant) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth rate | Very slow-growing, over months or years. | Grows rapidly over weeks. |
| Texture | Soft and doughy, with a rubbery feel. | Firm or hard. |
| Mobility | Moves easily under the skin with slight finger pressure. | Fixed to the underlying tissue and immobile. |
| Pain | Generally painless, though can become tender if pressing on a nerve. | Can be painful or cause swelling. |
| Size | Typically small (less than 2 inches), but can grow larger. | Can grow larger than a typical lipoma. |
How a doctor makes a diagnosis?
To determine if a lump is a lipoma or something else, your doctor may:
- Perform a physical exam: The doctor will touch and feel the lump to assess its texture, size, and mobility.
- Order imaging tests: An ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan can help identify the structure of the mass and whether it consists solely of fat.
- Perform a biopsy: If there is any uncertainty, a small tissue sample will be removed and sent to a lab for testing to confirm the diagnosis.
Declaration : Information collected from different source. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or a diagnosis, consult a professional.