LIPOMAS

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that's most often situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma, which feels doughy and usually isn't tender, moves readily with slight finger pressure. Lipomas are usually detected in middle age. Some people have more than one lipoma. A lipoma isn't cancer and usually is harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

A lipoma is a fatty tumor located just below the skin. It isn't cancer and is usually harmless.

Symptoms of lipomas

Lipomas can occur anywhere in the body. They are typically:

Situated just under the skin. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.
Soft and doughy to the touch. They also move easily with slight finger pressure.
Generally small. Lipomas are typically less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter, but they can grow.
Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.

When to see a doctor

A lipoma is rarely a serious medical condition. But if you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, have it checked by your doctor.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a lipoma, your doctor may perform:

A physical exam
A tissue sample removal (biopsy) for lab examination
An X-ray or other imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan, if the lipoma is large, has unusual features or appears to be deeper than the fatty

Treatment

No treatment is usually necessary for a lipoma. However, if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, your doctor might recommend that it be removed.

Lipoma treatments include:

Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically by cutting them out. Recurrences after removal are uncommon. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising. A technique known as minimal excision extraction may result in less scarring.
Liposuction. This treatment uses a needle and a large syringe to remove the fatty lump.

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