Lipoma: What is it, What are the Causes, and How are They Removed?

Let’s look at these fatty lumps in more detail, along with lipoma symptoms and how they can be treated.

Whilst many individuals experience a lipoma at some point in their life, it is not widely known what they actually are. In this article, we will be focusing on lipomas, including their symptoms and options for treatment.

What is a Lipoma?

A lipoma is a fatty lump that is most often found between your skin and the underlying layer of muscle, i.e. in the body’s soft tissue. It is usually harmless despite being classed as a tumour and is very common, affecting 1 in every 1000 people.

What are the Causes of Lipoma?

The causes of lipoma are unclear. Middle-aged men and women tend to get more of them, and they also run in families with around 2-3% of people who develop them having a family history of the condition. As suggested by research, lipomas frequently show up after injury, although medical specialists are unsure whether this is what makes them form.

Where can Lipomas Occur on the Body?

Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body but most commonly in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and legs (specifically the thighs).

What are the Symptoms of a Lipoma?

Lipomas are slow-growing with a doughy feel, and move readily with slight finger pressure. Some people have more than one lipoma.

Lipomas are typically:

  • Generally small – most often less than 2 inches (5 centimetres) in diameter
  • Sometimes painful if they press on nearby nerves or if they contain lots of blood vessels, although they aren’t often tender
  • Situated under the skin

What Treatment is Used to Remove Lipoma?

Most lipomas are removed surgically via excision. This involves cutting the lipoma out with a scalpel or sharp, circular blade and some of the skin around it before stitching the skin closed. Possible side effects are scarring and bruising, the extent of which can be minimised by seeing a professional skin doctor.

When Should You See a Doctor?

According to the NHS, you should see a doctor if:

A lump develops anywhere on your body
The lump is hard and does not move
The lump is red, hot, or painful

Lipomas are harmless, so are not usually treated on the NHS. However, they may still bother you, and you may not like their appearance. In this case, our highly experienced skin specialists at Dr Skin Surgery will be able to assess your individual lipoma, guiding you through the process of removal and post-treatment care.

At Dr Skin Surgery, we are experts in treating all sorts of skin concerns including lipomas. Our doctors take great care in assessing your lipoma and explaining to you the best course of action to get your individual lesion removed. We then ensure that your lesion is sent off for a full histological report to rule out anything harmful.

 

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