Lipomas are benign soft tissue tumors composed of fat cells. While they are mostly harmless, knowing their characteristics, potential causes, and available management options is helpful for individuals who have them. It can be helpful to explore the diagnosis and treatment of a lipoma.
What Are Lipomas?
A lipoma grows slowly as a fatty lump in the subcutaneous tissue between the skin and muscle. These growths feel soft and rubbery. You can usually move them with light finger pressure. Lipomas can form on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, or thighs. They are the most common noncancerous soft-tissue growths in adults.
What Causes Lipomas?
The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood by the medical community. There is a clear genetic component, as they often run in families, so you may have an increased likelihood of developing them if your relatives have them. Certain medical conditions are also associated with the development of multiple lipomas, including:
- Adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease)
- Madelung’s disease
- Gardner’s syndrome
Most appear spontaneously without a known cause.
What Symptoms Occur?
Most lipomas do not cause symptoms and are often discovered as small, painless lumps under the skin. They typically remain small, usually less than two inches in diameter, but they can grow larger over several years. In rare cases, it may press on a nearby nerve, causing pain. If a lump is located in a cosmetically sensitive area or grows to a size that restricts movement, it may cause discomfort.
How Are Lipomas Diagnosed?
Your physician can typically diagnose these growths through a physical examination. The doctor will palpate the lump to assess its characteristic soft, doughy consistency and mobility under the skin. Because these masses move easily when touched, your doctor can usually identify them directly during your consultation.
If there is any uncertainty about the diagnosis or if the lump grows rapidly, your doctor may recommend further testing. Diagnostic tools such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans provide a clearer view of the growth. In some cases, a surgeon may perform a biopsy to rule out other conditions.
What Treatments Are Available?
Since lipomas are benign and typically do not cause symptoms, treatment may not be medically necessary. If it becomes painful, grows significantly, or raises cosmetic concerns, several treatment options are available.
- Observation: A doctor may recommend monitoring the lipoma for any changes in size or other characteristics.
- Surgical Excision: This is the most common and effective treatment, involving the complete removal of the lump through a small incision.
- Steroid Injections: In some cases, steroid injections can be used to shrink the fatty tumor.
- Liposuction: This procedure uses a needle and syringe to remove the fatty tissue from the lipoma.
Take the Next Step
A lump under the skin can be concerning, but a lipoma is a benign growth that is usually harmless. If you suspect a growth is a lipoma, it is advisable to have it evaluated by a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with a physician to discuss your concerns and determine the appropriate course of action for your specific situation.
