Discovering a lump on your body can be alarming, but not all lumps are dangerous. One of the most common non-cancerous lumps is a lipoma. Lipomas are slow-growing, soft lumps of fatty tissue that usually form just beneath the skin. While they are generally harmless, they can become bothersome, especially when they grow larger or appear in sensitive areas.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign, typically painless growth of fatty tissue that can occur anywhere on the body, most commonly on the back, trunk, arms, shoulders, and neck. These lumps are usually soft, round or oval, and can be moved slightly under the skin.
Although lipomas can appear at any age, they are most frequently detected in individuals between 40 and 60 years old. While men and women are both affected, they are slightly more common in women, says Dr Amita Jain, who is one of the eminent doctors for lipoma treatment in Delhi.
Characteristics of Lipomas
Lipomas are generally soft, rubbery, and less than 2 inches in diameter, though they can occasionally grow larger. They rarely cause pain unless they press on nearby nerves or blood vessels. Unlike malignant tumors, lipomas do not invade surrounding tissues and are usually harmless. They may appear superficially on the skin or, less commonly, deeper along muscles or internal organs.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of lipomas remains unclear, but genetics appears to play a significant role. Some people may have a hereditary tendency to develop multiple lipomas. Certain medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of lipoma formation.
Dercum’s disease, Gardner syndrome, hereditary multiple lipomatosis, and Madelung’s disease are all associated with increased risk. Lipomas may also be influenced by age and lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption in specific syndromes.
Types of Lipomas
There are several types of lipomas, including conventional lipomas composed of white fat, angiolipomas, which contain blood vessels and may be painful, fibrolipomas that include fibrous tissue, hibernomas containing brown fat, spindle cell lipomas with elongated fat cells, pleomorphic lipomas with variable cell shapes, atypical lipomas that develop deeper in tissues, and myelolipomas, which contain fat and blood-forming tissues. Each type may have unique characteristics, but generally remains non-cancerous.
When to See a Doctor for Lipoma Treatment?
Although lipomas are mostly harmless, it is essential to consult a doctor if you notice a lump that grows quickly, becomes painful, or shows changes in size or texture. This is important to rule out liposarcoma, a rare malignant tumor that can appear similar to lipomas but has the potential to grow much larger and spread. A medical professional can perform a physical examination and recommend further testing, such as imaging studies or a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a lipoma usually starts with a physical examination. If necessary, your doctor may order imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to determine the size, depth, and nature of the lump. A biopsy, where a small tissue sample is removed and analyzed under a microscope, may be performed to ensure the lump is benign. These steps help differentiate lipomas from other soft tissue growths.
Treatment Options
Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort, pain, or cosmetic concerns. Surgical excision is a common treatment, which the lump is removed through a small incision under local anesthesia. Liposuction is another option, using a thin tube to suction out the fatty tissue.
In some cases, steroid injections may help shrink the lump. Post-surgery, the tissue is usually sent for laboratory analysis, and scarring is minimal with proper care.
Lipomas are generally slow-growing, benign lumps that rarely pose serious health risks. While they are often painless, they can become irritating or uncomfortable. Medical interventions such as excision or liposuction can effectively relieve discomfort with minimal complications. If you notice a growing lump or experience any unusual symptoms, seeking professional medical advice ensures proper care and peace of mind.
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).