Lipoma: Understanding the Harmless Fat Lumps Under Your Skin

If you've noticed a soft, doughy lump under your skin, it might be a lipoma. Lipomas are the most common type of tumor that forms beneath the skin, but don't worry – they're usually harmless. In this article, we'll discuss what lipomas are, their symptoms, causes, and when you should see a doctor.

What Is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a lump of fat that grows in the soft tissues of your body. Although it's classified as a tumor, it's typically benign (non-cancerous). Lipomas are the most common type of tumor to form under the skin, with about 1 in every 1,000 people developing one at some point in their lives. They're most often found in the upper body, arms, or thighs.

Symptoms of Lipoma

Lipomas usually appear as small, soft lumps under the skin. They're typically:

• Less than 2 inches wide

• Doughy to the touch

• Movable with finger pressure

• Painless, unless they press on nearby nerves or have blood vessels running through them

It's possible to have more than one lipoma.

Causes of Lipoma

The exact cause of lipomas is unknown. However, they tend to occur more often in middle-aged men and women and can run in families. Some people develop lipomas after an injury, although it's unclear whether the injury actually causes the lipoma to form.

Certain inherited conditions, such as Madelung's disease, can also lead to the development of lipomas. This rare condition primarily affects men of Mediterranean ancestry who have alcohol use disorder.

When to See a Doctor

If you notice a lump or swelling on your body, it's important to have a doctor examine it. They can determine whether it's a harmless lipoma or if further tests are needed. In rare cases, a lump may be a type of cancer called a liposarcoma, which grows rapidly and can be painful.

Lipomas can also form inside muscles or internal organs, although this is uncommon. If a lipoma is causing pain or affecting your muscles, you may need to have it removed.

Lipoma Diagnosis

In most cases, lipomas can be diagnosed through a physical exam. However, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, where a small piece of the tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis. Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs can also provide a clearer picture of the lipoma.

Lipoma Treatment and Removal

Since lipomas are generally harmless, doctors often leave them alone. However, if a lipoma is causing pain or you're unhappy with its appearance, you may choose to have it removed. Treatment options include:

• Surgical removal: The doctor makes a small incision and removes the lipoma. You'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the area during the procedure.

• Steroids: Injecting a steroid medication into the lipoma can help shrink it.

• Liposuction: The doctor uses a needle and syringe to remove the fatty tissue.

For larger lipomas (greater than 2 inches), which are sometimes called giant lipomas, surgical removal may require general anesthesia. These lipomas can cause nerve pain, affect your appearance, or change the way your clothes fit.

After lipoma removal, it's rare for them to grow back. Having a lipoma does not increase your risk of developing other diseases.

If you suspect you have a lipoma or notice any unusual lumps or swelling, consult your healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.