What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat cells. Lipomas are derived from the subcutaneous tissue, the layer of fatty tissue within the skin. This tumor grows slowly, and most are not bothersome. Lipomas are very common in the general population, and are found mostly in middle-aged adults, though they can occur at all ages. Lipomas are found in both sexes equally.
What Causes a Lipoma?
The exact cause of lipomas is unknown. However, lipomas have a genetic predilection, so they often occur in those with a positive family history. Sudden injury to a body part can trigger spontaneous cell growth, resulting in a trauma-induced lipoma.
Signs and Symptoms
As lipomas grow very slowly over several years, they usually develop unnoticed until they reach a larger size. Most often, they affect the neck, shoulders, arms, and trunk, but can appear anywhere on the body where subcutaneous fat tissue is present. They are convex, above the surface of the skin, often dome- or egg-shaped, with a soft, smooth, even doughy feel. Since they consist of subcutaneous lipids (fats), they are easily moved under the skin with your fingers. The skin surface above them stays unchanged. They do not cause any systemic symptoms, like fever or chills, but some localized pain can eventually be felt when applying lots of pressure.
How Do You Treat a Lipoma?
Sometimes, lipomas require no treatment as they eventually stop growing and do not cause any notable discomfort. If treatment is needed, a simple surgical excision is appropriate. This treatment method immediately improves the appearance of the skin and helps to prevent secondary infections. Liposuction is also used to treat lipomas, sometimes in combination with a surgical procedure, especially for larger tumors.
