What is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a slow-growing, non-cancerous fatty lump that forms between the skin and the underlying muscle. These soft, movable masses are usually painless and have a doughy texture. Lipomas can appear anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the shoulders, arms, forearms, and thighs. While they are generally harmless, a lipoma may cause discomfort if it presses on nerves or contains blood vessels. Treatment is usually not necessary unless the lipoma becomes painful, grows significantly, or poses cosmetic concerns.

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Identifying the Signs

Soft Movable Lump

A lipoma is a soft, movable lump under the skin, feeling squishy and compressible.

Painless

Lipomas are usually non-tender and do not cause pain unless they press on nearby nerves or blood vessels

Slow Growth

Lipomas usually grow slowly and stay small, but some may enlarge over time, requiring monitoring or removal if they cause discomfort.

Common Locations

Back – A common site, usually in the lower or upper back. Shoulders – Often near the shoulder blades

Shape and Texture

Shape: Lipomas are typically round or oval and have well-defined edges Texture: They feel soft, doughy, and rubbery to the touch

Skin Color

In rare cases, if a lipoma grows large or presses on blood vessels, there may be slight redness or stretching of the skin

Types

Superficial Subcutaneous

Common type beneath the skin, usually on arms, neck, torso

Pleomorphic Lipoma

A rare type, mostly seen in older men, with cells of varied shapes and sizes.

Hibernoma

A rare lipoma composed of brown fat, typically occurring in the neck, armpit, shoulder, and chest.

Fibrolipoma

Contains a combination of fatty and fibrous tissue, making it firmer than other lipoma types.

Adenolipoma

A rare lipoma that includes both glandular tissue and fat cells.

Angiolipoma

Contains numerous blood vessels and may be painful. Commonly found on the forearms and trunk.

Spindle Cell Lipoma

Found mainly on the upper back, neck, and shoulders, these lipomas consist of spindle-shaped cells.

Intramuscular Lipoma

Develops within the muscles, often deeper than superficial lipomas, and may cause discomfort due to its location.

Causes

Genetics

A family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of developing them.

Age

Lipomas are more common in middle-aged adults, typically between 40 and 60 years old.

Injury or Trauma

Some lipomas may form at sites of previous injury or trauma, though the exact link is unclear.

Metabolic Disorders

Conditions like adiposis dolorosa (Dercum’s disease) or Madelung’s disease can contribute to lipoma formation.

Obesity and High Cholesterol

Though not a direct cause, excess body fat and high cholesterol levels may be associated with lipoma growth.

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