Lipoma (patient information)

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Editor-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [mailto:mgibson@perfuse.org] Phone:617-632-7753; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Jinhui Wu, M.D.

Overview
Lipomas are benign, slow-growing tumors that come from fat cells and grow under the skin. They are usually soft, round and moveable lumps. Lipomas can occur at any age, but they are most common during middle age from 40 to 60 years old. Because lipomas are benign and harmless, treatment generally isn't necessary. But if the lipoma is in a bothersome location, is painful, or is growing, you should seek to see your doctor to remove it away.

What are the symptoms of Lipoma?
Usually a lipoma has been growing for years before you notice it. And it is common to have more than one. If you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, you should have it checked by your family doctor. The usual symptoms of lipoma are the following:


 * Location: The lumps of lipomas is often located under the skin. They often occur in the neck, shoulders, back, arms and thighs.
 * Size: Most lipomas are small, usually less than 2 inches or 5 centimeters in diameter. When they grow large, the size can reach more than 4 inches or 10 centimeters.
 * Feel: A lipoma feels soft and doughy, and moves easily with slight finger pressure. These are important characteristics different from lumps of cancer.


 * Pain: When lipomas grow and press on nearby nerves or they contain many blood vessels, they may be painful.

Who is at highest risk?
The exact cause of lipomas isn't clear. Studies suggest the following factors may involve in the development of lipoma.


 * Injury: Sometimes lipomas are detected after an injury. Some doctors report minor injuries may be a trigger of the growth of a lipoma.


 * Genetic factor: Because lipomas also tend to run in families, genetic factors likely play a role in their development.

Diagnosis

 * Physical examination: Usually, a doctor can make a diagnosis by physical examination of the lump.


 * Biopsy: If there is any doubt, a needle biopsy need to do to detect whether the lump is benign or cancerous.


 * CT scan: Sometimes a CT scan also need to do if your doctor suspects liposarcoma.

When to seek urgent medical care?
A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. But if you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, you'd better make it checked by your doctor.

Treatment options
Usually no treatment is necessary for a lipoma unless the tumor becomes painful or restricts movement. Lipoma treatments include:


 * Surgical excision: This is the main measure for treating lipomas. After removal recurrences are 1~2%.


 * Steroid injections: This treatment can only shrink the lipoma but can not completely eliminate the lump.
 * Liposuction: This is a method to remove the lipomas without scarring. The doctor uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty tissue.

Diseases with similar symptoms

 * Liposarcoma


 * Neurofibroma

Where to find medical care for Lipoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating lipoma

Prevention of Lipoma
For the exact cause of lipomas is not very clear, there is no effective method to prevent it. According to possible risk factors of lipoma, the following measures may be helpful.


 * Avoidance injury


 * Screen test of HMG I-C gene for people with family history of mesenchymal tumors and familial multiple lipomatosis.

What to expect (Outook/Prognosis)?
The outlook of lipoma is always good. Usually most lipomas will not transform into liposarcomas.