A lipoma is a benign tumor made of fat tissue that grows slowly under your skin. It’s the most common soft-tissue tumor in adults, appearing as a soft lump that moves easily with slight finger pressure. While they can occur anywhere on the body where fat cells are present, they are most frequently found on the shoulders, neck, back, arms, and thighs. Lipomas are generally harmless and are rarely cancerous. Here’s information on the causes, characteristics, and management options for these common fatty growths:
What Causes Lipomas?
The medical community does not fully understand the exact cause of lipomas, though several factors appear to contribute to their development. For many individuals, there is a strong genetic link, and your risk of getting them increases if they run in your family. This genetic type is known as familial multiple lipomatosis.
Lipomas occur most often in adults between the ages of 40 and 60, although they can develop at any age. Certain medical conditions also increase the likelihood of developing these fatty tumors, such as:
- Gardner Syndrome
- Dercum’s Disease
- Madelung’s Disease
How Do They Differ From Cysts?
It is very common for people to confuse lipomas with sebaceous cysts, as both present as lumps under the skin, but they aren’t the same. A lipoma is a collection of fat cells, whereas a cyst is a sac-like pocket of tissue that contains fluid, air, or other substances. Distinguishing between the two often comes down to touch and appearance. Accurate diagnosis usually requires a physical examination by a healthcare provider.
A lipoma feels soft to the touch, and it moves easily under the skin. Cysts tend to be firmer and may feel anchored or stuck to the skin surface. A cyst can become inflamed or infected more easily, leading to redness and tenderness. Lipomas are situated deeper under the skin, but cysts are closer to the surface and commonly have a small central opening.
How Do You Treat a Lipoma?
Because lipomas are generally benign, treatment is not always medically necessary. This is why many individuals choose to monitor the growth for changes in size or texture. Treatment becomes a viable option if the lipoma becomes painful, grows rapidly, restricts movement, or becomes cosmetically bothersome.
The most common treatment method is a surgical removal. This is typically a minor procedure performed under local anesthesia, in which a physician makes a small incision to remove fatty tissue. The surgeon then closes the wound with sutures.
Surgery is often recommended because it allows the doctor to remove the entire growth, reducing the chance of recurrence. Alternative removal options include liposuction, which uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump. Liposuction methods may result in a smaller scar, but there is more potential risk of tumor regrowth.
Schedule a Dermatology Consultation
While lipomas are rarely dangerous, getting any new bumps assessed by a specialist can help you maintain your skin health. A professional evaluation diagnoses the lump and determines the best way to treat it. Contact a dermatological surgeon to schedule a consultation today.