Lipoma

Overview

A lipoma is a soft lump made of fat cells that grows slowly under the skin. It is benign (not cancer). Lipomas are usually harmless and do not need treatment unless they bother you or change.

Yes. Lipomas are common, especially in adults in middle age.

Anyone can get a lipoma, but they are most common in adults aged about 40 to 60. They can run in families. They are uncommon in children.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A soft lump under the skin, often on the neck, shoulders, back, arms, or thighs.
• The lump usually feels doughy or rubbery and can be moved a little under the skin.
• It is usually painless, though it may ache if it presses on something.
• It grows slowly over months or years.
• The skin over the lump usually looks normal.

Symptoms in children

• Lipomas are rare in children. A new lump in a child should be checked by a doctor, even if it seems harmless.

Symptoms in older adults

• Lipomas become more common with age, especially between 40 and 60.
• They usually stay soft and slow-growing.
• Any new, hard, or fast-changing lump should be checked by a doctor.

Causes

Main causes

• A lipoma forms when fat cells grow in a small, slow lump under the skin. The exact cause is not known.
• Genes may play a part. Lipomas can run in families.
• Rarely, having many lipomas is linked to an inherited condition.

Risk factors

• Being an adult aged about 40 to 60.
• A family history of lipomas.
• Higher body weight may be linked in some studies, but lipomas can happen at any weight.
• Rare inherited conditions that cause many lipomas.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A lump that grows quickly, feels hard or fixed, or is very painful.
• Redness, warmth, fever, bleeding, or discharge from a lump.
• A new lump in a child.
• A lump that causes numbness, weakness, or trouble moving a limb.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Any new lump you notice, especially if it lasts more than a few weeks.
• A lump that changes in size, shape, or feel.
• A lump that bothers you with clothing, movement, or how it looks.
• You are worried about a lump — it is okay to get it checked.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will usually start by asking about the lump and feeling it. They may compare it with the other side of your body. Many lipomas can be recognized by exam alone.

Tests that may be done

• A physical exam.
• Ultrasound, which uses sound waves to look at the lump.
• MRI or CT scan if the lump is deep, large, or unusual.
• A small sample (biopsy) if the doctor is not sure what it is.

What to expect at your appointment

You may not need any tests if the lump feels typical. If there is any doubt, your doctor may send you to a specialist. Waiting for tests can feel stressful; ask your doctor what to expect and when you will get results.

Treatment

Most lipomas do not need treatment. If one bothers you, a doctor can discuss options. Treatment is usually a choice, not an emergency.

Self-care at home

• Check the lump now and then. Note if it gets bigger, harder, or painful.
• Do not squeeze, poke, or try to drain it at home.
• Keep the skin clean and protect the area from rubbing.
• See your doctor if it changes.

Medical treatments

There is no medicine that reliably makes a lipoma go away. If treatment is wanted, a doctor may suggest a minor procedure to remove the fatty lump or liposuction to suction it out. These are usually done by a specialist. Your doctor will explain benefits, risks, and what to expect.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be an option if the lipoma is painful, growing, large, in a place that rubs, or looks bothersome. It may also be suggested if the diagnosis is not clear. Not everyone needs it. Your doctor will discuss whether it is right for you.

Living with this condition

Most people with a lipoma do not need to change their daily life. You can exercise, work, and wash normally. Keep an eye on the lump and ask for a check if it changes.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep a note of the lump's size and how it feels, so you can spot changes.
• Wear clothes that do not rub the area if it is tender.
• Stay active and eat a balanced diet for general health.

Diet and exercise

No special diet or exercise has been shown to shrink or prevent lipomas. A healthy, balanced lifestyle is still good for your overall health and well-being.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is normal to feel worried when you find a lump. Most lipomas are harmless. If worry is affecting your sleep, mood, or daily life, talk to your doctor. Support is available.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent a lipoma. They are not caused by something you did or did not do.

Vaccines

Not applicable. Lipomas are not caused by an infection, and there is no vaccine for them.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for lipomas. It is sensible to check your body and ask a doctor about any new or changing lump.

Complications

If left untreated

• Most lipomas stay harmless and cause no serious problems.
• They may grow slowly and become more noticeable or uncomfortable.
• A large lipoma can press on nearby nerves or structures, causing pain, numbness, or limited movement (this is uncommon).
• A lump that is not a lipoma could be another kind of growth, so changes should be checked.

Long-term outlook

The outlook is very good. Lipomas are benign (not cancer) and usually do not affect health or lifespan. Removal is often optional. See your doctor if a lump changes or worries you.

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