A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue. It is one of the most common soft tissue tumors in adults. Here’s a breakdown of key facts:
🔍 What is a Lipoma?
Composition: Made of mature fat cells.
Consistency: Soft, doughy, and mobile under the skin.
Growth: Slow-growing.
Location:
Can occur anywhere in the body, but most often found in the neck, shoulders, back, arms, thighs, or abdomen.
🩺 Symptoms
- Most lipomas:
- Are painless (but can cause discomfort if pressing on nerves or growing in tight areas).
- Are under 2 inches in diameter, but some can grow larger.
- Are freely movable under the skin.
🧬 Causes & Risk Factors
- Often idiopathic (no known cause).
- May have a genetic component — can run in families.
- More common in middle-aged adults (40–60 years old).
- Certain conditions (like familial multiple lipomatosis) can cause multiple lipomas.
⚖️ Diagnosis
- Usually diagnosed by physical exam.
- May be confirmed with:
- Ultrasound
- MRI or CT scan (if deeper or atypical)
- Biopsy (rarely, to rule out liposarcoma — a rare cancerous tumor)
🛠️ Treatment
- No treatment needed unless:
- It’s painful
- It interferes with function or movement
- It’s growing or cosmetically bothersome
If removed:
- Surgical excision is most common.
- Liposuction can be an option for some.
- Recurrence is rare after complete removal
