A lipoma is a benign fatty lump that forms under the skin. It consists of fat cells and usually feels soft and movable. Lipomas grow slowly and typically do not cause pain or health problems. They can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and thighs.
Symptoms
Lipomas usually do not cause complaints but can be recognized by:
- A soft, round, or oval lump under the skin.
- Easily movable when pressed.
- Painless unless the lipoma presses on a nerve or blood vessel.
- Slow growth, often over several years.
- Usually small, between 1 and 5 cm, but some can grow larger.
In rare cases, a lipoma can become tender or inflamed, causing redness and swelling.
Causes
The exact cause of lipomas is unknown, but certain factors may contribute to their development:
- Genetic predisposition: Lipomas are more common in families.
- Hormonal changes: Lipomas may develop during periods of hormonal changes.
- Skin or fat tissue injury: Trauma to the skin can trigger a lipoma.
- Age: Lipomas are more common in adults between 40 and 60 years old but can also appear at a younger age.
Lipomas are not contagious and are not caused by diet or infections.
Diagnosis
A doctor can usually identify a lipoma through a physical examination:
- Inspection and palpation: The doctor checks whether the lump is soft and movable.
- Ultrasound or MRI: Sometimes imaging tests are performed to determine the size and depth.
- Biopsy: In rare cases, a small tissue sample may be taken to confirm whether it is a lipoma or another type of swelling.
Treatment
In most cases, a lipoma is harmless and does not need to be removed. However, if the lipoma is large, painful, or cosmetically bothersome, there are several treatment options:
Medical Treatments
- Surgical removal: The lipoma is cut out under local anesthesia.
- Liposuction: The fatty lump is suctioned out through a thin needle.
- Injection treatment: Some lipomas can be reduced with medication that breaks down fat.
Most treatments leave a small scar, but the chance of the lipoma returning is low.
Self-Care
Lipomas are generally harmless, but you can take some steps to reduce discomfort:
- Avoid pressure and friction: Wear loose clothing if the lipoma is in a sensitive area.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Although diet does not cause lipomas, maintaining a healthy weight may limit the formation of new fatty lumps.
- Check your skin regularly: If a lipoma grows rapidly, becomes painful, or feels hard, consult a doctor.
- Do not attempt to remove it yourself: This can lead to infections or scarring.
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