Soft lump under your skin? It might be a lipoma: Here's what you need to know all about lipomas

A lipoma is a soft cancerous lump made of fatty tissue that grows just beneath the skin. It is usually painless, slow-growing, and often harmless. Lipomas are quite common, typically appearing on arms, back, shoulders, neck, or thighs, and most often affect adults between 40 and 60 years old. While many lipomas do not need treatment, they can sometimes become large, painful, or cause discomfort. In such cases, surgical removal or liposuction may be recommended. If you notice a growing lump, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to rule out other conditions and confirm it’s a lipoma.



What is a lipoma and where do they mostly occur
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor composed of fatty tissue that forms just beneath the skin. Typically, lipomas are soft, rubbery, and movable under slight pressure. They are usually painless but may cause discomfort if they press against nerves or blood vessels. Most lipomas are small, typically less than 2 inches in diameter, though some can grow larger.

Lipomas typically develop just under the skin in various parts of the body, including:

• Arms or legs
• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Trunk (chest and torso)
• Forehead

While lipomas can occur in internal organs or the brain, they are most commonly found in these subcutaneous locations. Many people have a single lipoma, but it's not uncommon for multiple lipomas to develop.



How common are lipomas?
Lipomas are relatively common, affecting approximately 1 in every 1,000 people. They can occur at any age, including at birth, but are most frequently diagnosed between the ages of 40 and 60. While anyone can develop a lipoma, women are slightly more likely to be affected than men.



Symptoms of lipomas
While many lipomas are asymptomatic, some may present the following signs:

• Soft and movable: Lipomas are generally soft to the touch and can be moved slightly under the skin.
• Slow growth: They typically grow slowly over time.
• Painless or mildly tender: Most lipomas are painless, but some may cause discomfort if they press on nearby structures.
• Size variation: While many are small, some lipomas can grow larger than 6 inches in diameter.

It's important to note that if a lump is hard, rapidly growing, or painful, it may not be a lipoma and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional



Causes and risk factors
The exact cause of lipomas remains unclear. However, several factors may contribute to their development:

• Genetics: Lipomas often run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
• Age: They are most commonly diagnosed in individuals between 40 and 60 years old.
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as Dercum’s disease, Gardner syndrome, and Madelung’s disease, are associated with the development of multiple lipoma

Treatment options to cure lipomas
In many cases, lipomas do not require treatment. However, if a lipoma becomes painful, bothersome, or grows in size, treatment options include:

• Surgical Removal: The most common treatment, involving the excision of the lipoma. This is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia.
• Liposuction: A less invasive option where a needle and syringe are used to remove the fatty tissue.

Most lipomas do not recur after removal, but in rare cases, they may return



When to consult a healthcare provider
It's advisable to seek medical attention if you notice:

• A new lump under the skin that grows over time
• A lump that is painful or tender to the touch
• A lump that changes in size or appearance.

While lipomas are generally harmless, it's essential to have any new or unusual lumps evaluated to rule out other conditions.




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