What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue. It is a soft, painless lump that grows slowly under the skin. Lipomas are the most common type of soft tissue tumor.

Characteristics of Lipoma:

• Appearance: Soft, rubbery, and movable under the skin

• Size: Usually small (1-3 cm), but can grow larger

• Location: Commonly found on the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms, and thighs

• Symptoms: Usually painless and asymptomatic, but may cause discomfort if pressing on nerves or growing near joints

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Exact cause is unknown

• May be hereditary (familial lipomatosis)

• More common in adults aged 40-60 years

• Risk factors: obesity, trauma (sometimes reported), certain metabolic conditions

Types of Lipomas:

• Simple lipoma: Most common, made of mature fat cells

• Angiolipoma: Contains blood vessels, may be painful

• Fibrolipoma: Contains fibrous tissue

• Myolipoma: Contains muscle tissue

• Spindle cell lipoma: Affects mainly older men, usually on the back or neck

Diagnosis:

• Clinical examination (feel and appearance)

• Imaging tests if needed: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to differentiate from other tumors

• Biopsy rarely needed unless diagnosis is uncertain

Treatment:

• Usually not necessary unless for cosmetic reasons or discomfort

• Surgical removal: Common treatment if lipoma is large, painful, or growing

• Liposuction: Sometimes used for smaller lipomas

• Steroid injections can shrink some lipomas but not commonly used

When to see a doctor?

• Rapidly growing lump

• Pain or tenderness in the lump

• Lump that is hard, fixed, or irregular (needs evaluation for malignancy)

• Any lump causing functional problems

Prognosis:

• Excellent, lipomas are benign and do not turn into cancer

• Recurrence is rare after removal