Have you ever noticed a sudden lump on your skin and felt a surge of worry, wondering if it could be cancer? It’s a natural reaction, but before you let your mind run wild with fear, it’s crucial to understand that not all lumps are a cause for alarm.
One common type of lump is called a lipoma. But what exactly are lipomas, and are they dangerous? One of the leading laparoscopic surgeons in India for lipoma, Dr Amita Jain explains all about Lipomas in this article.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing, typically non-cancerous lump of fatty tissue that develops beneath the skin and sometimes extends into the underlying muscle layer. These lumps are usually round or oval-shaped and can be easily moved around under the skin, often without causing pain.
While they can appear anywhere on the body, they are commonly found on the back, trunk, arms, shoulders, and neck. Lipomas are usually detected in middle age and are generally harmless, rarely causing health issues. They don’t usually require any treatment but removal is an option for individuals experiencing discomfort or seeking cosmetic improvement.
What are the Characteristics of Lipomas?
- Lipomas typically present as small, soft lumps of rubbery tissue.
- They are generally less than 2 inches wide, but in rare cases, they can grow up to 6 inches.
- Lipomas are usually painless, but they may cause discomfort if they press against nearby nerves or blood vessels or develop near a joint.
- Lipomas do not spread to surrounding tissues.
- Most lipomas develop on the trunk, neck, or arms, but they can occur anywhere fat cells are present.
- Less commonly, lipomas can form along muscles inside the body or in mucosal tissues lining organs.
What are the Causes of Lipoma?
- i) It is believed to be hereditary
- ii) They can happen at any age but it is more common among 40 to 60-year-old individuals.
Several risk factors contribute to the formation of lipomas:
- Dercum’s disease, also known as Adiposis Dolorosa or Anders’ syndrome, is a rare condition characterized by the painful growth of lipomas, typically found on the arms, legs, and trunk.
- Gardner syndrome, or Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), is a disorder associated with the development of lipomas alongside various other health complications.
- Hereditary multiple lipomatosis, also referred to as Familial Multiple Lipomatosis, is a genetically inherited form of the disorder passed down through families.
- Madelung’s disease, or multiple symmetric lipomatosis, primarily affects men who consume excessive alcohol. It leads to the growth of lipomas, particularly around the neck and shoulders.
What are the Types of Lipoma?
- Angiolipoma: Contains fat and blood vessels, often causing pain.
- Conventional Lipoma: The most common type, composed of white fat cells storing energy.
- Fibrolipoma: Comprises fat and fibrous tissue.
- Hibernoma: Contains brown fat, aiding in heat generation and body temperature regulation.
- Myelolipoma: Consists of fat and tissues involved in blood cell production.
- Spindle cell Lipoma: Fat cells are elongated rather than round.
- Pleomorphic Lipoma: Fat cells vary in size and shape.
- Atypical Lipoma: Deeper fat with a large number of cells.
When is the removal of lipoma necessary?
- Affect aesthetics.
- Pose a risk of being cancerous (liposarcoma).
- Cause pain or discomfort.
- Show signs of growth or multiplication.
- Interfere with bodily functions.
What are the Treatment Methods for lipoma?
- Excision method wherein the tumour is surgically removed by making an incision in the skin
- Steroids can be used to shrink the tumour.
- Liposuction involves the extraction of fatty tissue with the help of a needle and syringe.
While it is true that lipomas are not typically harmful, understanding their characteristics, causes, and potential treatments is crucial. Regular monitoring and consultation with a doctor ensure appropriate management, particularly if removal becomes necessary for medical or cosmetic reasons.
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced senior surgeons who has conducted more than 1,00,000 successful surgeries, and has covered a wide spectrum of general and minimally invasive procedures. Dr Amita Jain is refered as the pioneer surgeon in the fields of Gallbladder stone removal surgery, appendix removal surgery, hernia repair surgery, Pilonidal Sinus treatments, varicose vein and piles surgery, fistula surgery and fissure surgeries.
With an outstanding career spanning over 29 years, Dr Amita Jain has earned her place among the top General and Laparoscopic surgeons in Delhi and India, known for her precision, compassion, and consistent surgical excellence. She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned as a surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo.
Dr Amita Jain currently serves as the Head of Department and Senior Consultant for General, Laparoscopic and Trauma Surgery at Artemis Lite Hospital, Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi) and Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi).