A lipoma is usually harmless, but there are treatments to address the issue for those who prefer to have it removed. Once removed, the tissue may be sent for testing to identify any potential issues. The procedure is minimally-invasive.
At Amaris B. Clinic, we help patients with their lipoma issues via surgery.
A lipoma is a benign tissue located just beneath the skin. It is composed of fat tissues and often round or oval-shaped. A lipoma can appear anywhere but is commonly found on areas such as the back, torso, arms, shoulders and neck.
Most lipomas do not require treatment as they are non-cancerous. Those who prefer them to be removed can do so via minimally-invasive outpatient procedures.
Lipomas often appear after an injury, although it cannot be firmly established that such trauma causes their formation. Genetics can play a part. For some, having a rare condition like Madelung's disease can affect their appearance.
Lipomas are common and can affect persons of any age, even at birth, although it is more prevalent among people between 40 and 60. They are also more common in women.
Most people who have lipoma don't experience any symptoms. It can, nonetheless, be uncomfortable when it's pressing against a nerve or develops near a joint. Some symptoms include:
• Round or oval-shaped and symmetrical.
• A lipoma is usually about TWO inches in diameter, but some can be as wide as SIX inches.
• Lipomas are located just beneath the skin and move when touched.
• Lipomas do not spread to surrounding tissues and are generally painless but can cause pain or discomfort depending on their location, size and the presence of blood vessels.
Lipomas can develop anywhere but rarely grow on muscles, brain or internal organs. Common areas include:
• Arms or legs
• Back
• Neck
• Shoulders
• Trunk (chest and torso) and
• Forehead.
Most affected persons will only have one, although in some cases, there may be more than one that develops.
The cause of lipoma is still not defined, but a common factor seems to be hereditary. Some conditions may cause lipoma, and these include:
Dercum's disease is a rare disorder that causes painful lipomas to grow, most often on the arms, legs and trunk. The condition is also known as adiposis dolorosa or Anders' syndrome.
Gardner syndrome is a form of a disorder called familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). It causes lipomas and also a range of other health problems.
Hereditary multiple lipomatosis is inherited and also known as Familial multiple lipomatosis (FML).
Madelung's disease occurs in men who indulge in excessive alcohol consumption risk developing this condition, also known as multiple symmetric lipomatosis. The condition causes lipoma to form around the neck and shoulders.
A lipoma is commonly diagnosed via a physical examination. A biopsy may also be ordered to confirm that it is not cancerous. A sample of the lipoma will be removed and sent for a lab test to facilitate this.
A lipoma is sometimes mistaken to be a cyst. Confirmation may be needed in imaging tests such as an Ultrasound, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, or Computed Tomography (CT) scan. These not only help in determining whether the growth is a lipoma or a cyst but also in determining the location and the depth of the growth.
The tests can also reveal whether the growth is pressing against the nerves or other tissues.
Lipomas are made of fat, and some contain blood vessels and other tissues. Types of lipomas include:
Angiolipoma
An angiolipoma contains fat and blood vessels and are often painful.
Conventional
A conventional lipoma contains white fat cells, which store energy. It is the most common type.
Fibrolipoma
This lipoma type is made up of fat and fibrous tissue.
Hibernoma
A lipoma of this type contains brown fat. Brown fat cells generate heat and help regulate body temperature.
Myelolipoma
This type of lipoma contains fat and tissues that produce blood cells.
Spindle cell
Fat cells in this type are longer than wide.
Pleomorphic
It contains fat cells of various sizes and shapes.
Treatment is not necessary for most lipomas. Removal is, however, available in the form of surgery, which is safe and effective. Liposuction may also be recommended as a method of removal as lipomas are generally fatty growth.
As lipomas are considered hereditary, it is not possible to prevent their growth. Nonetheless, lowering the risk of conditions that can cause lipoma is possible.
For example, the risk of Madelung's disease, which is caused by excessive alcohol consumption, can be lowered by limiting the amount consumed.
Most people do not even realise they have lipomas, and most lipomas do not require treatment. A lipoma that is removed rarely experiences regrowth, but there is a chance of another developing at a different spot.
Lipomas measuring larger than 5 cm, in the upper extremities should ideally be removed to prevent potential complications. A doctor will be in the best position to advise after the growth has been diagnosed.
Lipomas can cause discomfort if they are pressing against a nerve or contain blood vessels. They can also affect muscle growth if they occur at depth. In such cases, it is usually recommended for the lipomas to be removed.
Lipoma removal via liposuction is an option as lipomas are fat-based. Liposuction helps to remove the excess fat, reducing the size of the lipoma. The doctor will assess your condition and advise on the best option [1].
Source: [1] Peev I, Spasevska L, Mirchevska E, Tudzarova-Gjorgova S. Liposuction Assisted Lipoma Removal - Option or Alternative? Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2017 Oct 14;5(6):766-770. doi: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.186. PMID: 29104686; PMCID: PMC5661715.
You should see a doctor if you notice any growth or lump under the skin for a proper evaluation.
This is to rule out any possible serious conditions such as liposarcoma, a type of cancer. Liposarcoma and lipoma share similar signs.
At Amaris B. Clinic, aftercare significantly assists you with faster recovery and ensures optimum results. We have curated a bespoke aftercare program designed to help you with the healing process, such as manual lymphatic drainage massages, skin firming and many others.
Wanting to proceed with a surgery such as Lipoma removal is personal. It is a practical and clinically proven solution to treat this medical condition.
If you have tried various methods of removing lipoma, but are not achieving the result that you yearn for, we recommend that you come for a consultation and assessment to understand whether or not you are suited to the procedure.
We welcome you to call us and schedule a consultation with Dr Ivan Puah to understand how we can help you address your issue.