Found a lump under the skin somewhere on your body? Don’t be alarmed. It could be a lipoma, which is a fatty, benign lump and is harmless in most cases. However, it is advisable to get it checked by a doctor. Lipomas are very common and may not need any treatment.
Let’s look at the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about lipomas.
FAQs About Lipoma
1. What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue that slowly develops under your skin. People of any age can develop a lipoma, but it is most common between the ages 40 and 60. Lipomas can form on any part of the body but typically appear on the neck, shoulders, back, torso, arms, and thighs.
2. What Are The Symptoms of a Lipoma?
If you suspect that you have a lipoma, it generally shows symptoms such as:
Presenting just under your skin.
Generally small in size and less than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter.
Being soft to the touch.
Moving easily if prodded with a finger.
Usually painless but painful if it presses on nearby nerves underneath the skin.
Colourless.
Grows slowly.
Usually appearing symmetrical as round or oval-shaped.
3. What Are The Causes And Risk Factors of a Lipoma?
The cause behind the occurrence of lipomas is as yet unknown. However, they are observed to be inherited, so genetics could be one of the causative factors.
Apart from middle age and genetics, other risk factors behind lipomas include:
Diabetes.
Glucose intolerance.
Obesity.
High cholesterol levels.
Liver disease.
4. How is a Lipoma Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a lipoma may include the following steps:
A physical examination.
A biopsy (removal of a tissue sample for laboratory examination) to rule out cancer.
An imaging test such as ultrasound, X-ray, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or CT (computed tomography) scan to rule out cysts and to confirm the lipoma’s location and characteristics.
5. How is a Lipoma Treated?
A lipoma does not need to be treated unless it is bothering you. Although liposuction (a technique to remove fat from specific areas of the body) is used sometimes to remove lipomas as they are fat-based, the most common way to treat a lipoma is to remove it through surgery.
Surgery is especially helpful in cases when the skin tumour is still growing. Most lipomas are small in size and can be surgically removed under local anaesthesia in an office setting. Lipomas rarely grow back once they are surgically removed.
Our team at Practo Care Surgeries (PCS) are experts in end-to-end surgical care for over 50+ ailments. Connect with a Practo Care Surgeon, to find out the best treatment option for lipomas. Book an appointment today.
Disclaimer: This article is written by the Practitioner for informational and educational purposes only. The content presented on this page should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. Please "DO NOT SELF-MEDICATE" and seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns. Practo will not be responsible for any act or omission arising from the interpretation of the content present on this page.