What is Lipoma

Lipoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor that is made up of fat cells. This is a very common type of soft-tissue growth. Lipomas are usually found under the skin (subcutaneous).

They may occur in any tissue of the body that contains fat. Common areas for lipomas to appear include the back, shoulders, buttocks, and thighs.

Lipomas grow slowly, and they are usually painless. Most lipomas do not cause problems and do not require treatment.

What are the causes?

The cause of this condition is not known.

What increases the risk?

You are more likely to develop this condition if:

• You are 40–60 years old.
• You have a family history of lipomas.

What are the signs or symptoms?

A lipoma usually appears as a small, round bump under the skin. In most cases, the lump will:

• Feel soft or rubbery.
• Not cause pain or other symptoms.

However, if a lipoma is located in an area where it pushes on nerves, it can become painful or cause other symptoms.

How is this diagnosed?

A lipoma can usually be diagnosed with a physical exam. You may also have tests to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other conditions. Tests may include:

• Imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI.
• Removal of a tissue sample to be looked at under a microscope (biopsy).

How is this treated?

Treatment for this condition depends on the size of the lipoma and whether it is causing any symptoms.

• For small lipomas that are not causing problems, no treatment is needed.
• If a lipoma is bigger or it causes problems, surgery may be done to remove the lipoma. Lipomas can also be removed to improve appearance. Most often, the procedure is done after applying a medicine that numbs the area (local anesthetic).

Follow these instructions at home:

• Watch your lipoma for any changes.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your lipoma becomes larger or hard.
• Your lipoma becomes painful, red, or increasingly swollen. These could be signs of infection or a more serious condition.

Get help right away if:

• You develop tingling or numbness in an area near the lipoma. This could indicate that the lipoma is causing nerve damage.

Summary

• A lipoma is a noncancerous tumor that is made up of fat cells.
• Most lipomas do not cause problems and do not require treatment.
• If a lipoma is bigger or it causes problems, surgery may be done to remove the lipoma.