A lipoma appears as a lump and often develops between the skin and the underlying muscle. To the touch, it feels soft and moves when slight pressure is applied. Made of fat, it is harmless, and although treatment generally isn't necessary, you may consider removing it if it is painful or growing.
A lipoma can develop anywhere but is typically found in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs. Generally small in size - about 5cm in diameter - they can grow larger. A lipoma can cause discomfort and pain depending on its location, which is true for those pressing against nerves or those containing many blood vessels.
The cause of lipoma is still not defined and generally unknown, but a common factor is genetics.
The risk of developing lipoma may increase due to certain factors aside from genetics. For example, although lipomas can develop at any age, it is more commonly found in persons between 40 and 60 years old. Some conditions also may cause lipoma, including Dercum's disease, Gardner syndrome and Madelung's disease, to mention a few.
They appear as fatty lumps under the skin, varying in size. The larger ones appear as dome-shaped lumps and are soft to the touch. Most people would not even realise they have a lipoma, especially if it is small.
Liposarcomas are cancerous tumours of the fat cells and are soft tissue sarcomas. Very rarely does a lipoma turn into a cancerous sarcoma, but a doctor must be informed if there are changes to the lipoma or if new lumps develop. The doctor will then schedule a biopsy to be done on a sample of the lipoma for further evaluation.
Most lipomas do not cause issues, and many people can live with them. They can be unsightly, which drives an individual to seek removal treatment. However, if a lipoma causes discomfort or pain, it is highly recommended that an affected person approach a doctor for help. This also applies if the lipoma's size and location are of concern.
Lipoma removal should be done by a qualified medical doctor who is trained and experienced in doing so. Therefore refrain from attempting it on your own.
Lipomas are considered to be benign tumours and are typically harmless. It grows slowly between the skin and the underlying muscle layer.
If a lipoma is pressing on a nerve, it is generally painful, especially to the touch. The degree of pain varies; for some individuals, the pain comes and goes, while for others, it is constant.
Lipomas can only be removed if a person chooses to do so via a surgical procedure.
Lipomas will not go away without surgical intervention. Most people have them removed for cosmetic reasons, while some are because of the discomfort and pain they cause. It is always best to get a doctor's advice if an individual is experiencing growth to ascertain their true condition.
Lipoma removal via surgery is a definitive treatment. Suspect that you have lipoma growth? Contact us today for more information or further assistance.