Many people notice soft, rubbery lumps under their skin that move slightly when touched and wonder if they’re dangerous. In most cases, these are lipomas—benign (non-cancerous) fatty tumors. While they rarely cause serious health issues, lipomas can be bothersome or concerning because of their appearance or size. Understanding what lipomas are, why they form, and how they can be managed helps people make informed decisions about their skin and overall health. This is being explained by Dr Amita Jain who is a top general and laparoscopic surgeon and one of the most experienced lipoma surgeon in Delhi.
What is a Lipoma?
A lipoma is a slow-growing, non-cancerous lump made up of fat cells. It usually develops between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. Lipomas are soft, doughy to touch, and typically painless unless they press against nerves or contain many blood vessels. They can occur anywhere in the body but are most common on the shoulders, neck, upper back, arms, and thighs.
Most lipomas are small—less than 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter—but in rare cases, they can grow larger. Though they can appear at any age, lipomas are most common in adults between 40 and 60 years of age. Men and women can both develop them, though some studies suggest a slightly higher incidence in women.
Why Do Lipomas Form?
The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but doctors and researchers believe several factors contribute to their formation. These include genetics, trauma, metabolic factors, and certain medical conditions. Let’s look at each in detail:
Genetic Predisposition
One of the strongest links to lipoma formation is heredity. If one or both parents have lipomas, there’s a higher chance their children may develop them as well. This suggests a genetic component—possibly due to mutations in genes responsible for fat cell growth or regulation.
Some people inherit conditions such as familial multiple lipomatosis, where several lipomas develop across the body. This condition runs in families and often appears in early adulthood.
Minor Injuries or Trauma
In some cases, lipomas appear at the site of a past injury or trauma. Although the exact mechanism is unclear, it’s believed that physical injury may trigger abnormal growth of fat cells during the healing process. This theory, however, remains debated among experts since not all lipomas follow trauma.
Abnormal Fat Metabolism
Lipomas are made up of fat tissue, and some researchers believe they may result from abnormalities in fat metabolism or regulation. This could mean that certain fat cells multiply faster than normal or fail to break down properly, forming a fatty lump under the skin.
Hormonal and Metabolic Factors
Hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders can influence fat distribution in the body. People with conditions like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol may have a slightly increased risk of developing lipomas, though these conditions are not direct causes. Hormonal changes during middle age may also play a role.
Associated Medical Conditions
Certain rare syndromes are linked to multiple lipomas:
- Dercum’s disease (Adiposis dolorosa) – Characterized by painful lipomas, usually in obese, postmenopausal women.
- Madelung’s disease (Multiple symmetric lipomatosis) – Causes symmetrical fat deposits around the neck and shoulders, more common in men and associated with alcohol use.
- Gardner’s syndrome – A genetic condition that can cause various growths, including lipomas, cysts, and intestinal polyps.
These conditions are uncommon but demonstrate that lipomas can sometimes be part of broader systemic disorders.
Are Lipomas Dangerous?
Fortunately, lipomas are benign and almost never turn cancerous. However, they can occasionally be mistaken for liposarcomas, which are malignant (cancerous) tumors of fatty tissue. Liposarcomas tend to grow faster, feel firmer, and may cause pain. Therefore, any new or rapidly enlarging lump should always be examined by a doctor to rule out serious conditions.
Treatment and Management
Most lipomas don’t require treatment unless they become painful, restrict movement, or cause cosmetic concern. Treatment options include:
- Surgical removal: The most common and effective method.
- Liposuction: Removes the fatty tissue with minimal scarring.
- Steroid injections: Sometimes used to shrink smaller lipomas.
Maintaining a healthy weight and monitoring for new lumps can also help with early detection.
While the exact cause of lipomas remains uncertain, a combination of genetic and environmental factors appears to play a role. They are generally harmless and slow-growing, but awareness is essential to distinguish them from more serious conditions. Regular checkups, a balanced lifestyle, and consulting a healthcare professional for any unusual lumps ensure peace of mind and proper care.
Read our previous blog on Lipomas
Dr Amita Jain is one of India’s most distinguished and experienced female surgeons, known for her unmatched expertise in general and laparoscopic surgery. With over 29 years of surgical excellence, Dr Amita Jain has built a reputation for precision, compassionate care, and advanced surgical techniques.
Dr Amita Jain has successfully performed a wide range of complex general surgeries, including both open and minimally invasive procedures, with a strong focus on trauma care, onco-surgical techniques, and reconstructive surgeries. Her areas of specialisation include (including Gallbladder stone removal, appendix removal, hernia repair surgery, piles and fissure surgeries). She was the Professor of Surgery at the Army College of Medical Sciences and Base Hospital, Delhi Cantt. In 1994, she was commissioned asa Surgeon under the United Nations Mission in Congo. From 2020 to 2022, she worked with Bansals Hospital. Currently, Dr Amita Jain is the Senior General and Laparoscopic Surgeon at Rainbow Children Hospitals (Malviya Nagar, Delhi), Artemis Lite: Multi-Speciality Care Hospital (New Friends Colony, New Delhi) and at Rosewalk – Luxury Maternity Hospital in Delhi (Panchsheel Park, Delhi)
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