What is a Lipoma: Symptoms

A lipoma is a growth of fatty tissue that slowly develops under your skin. People of any age can develop a lipoma, but children rarely develop them. A lipoma can form on any part of the body, but they typically appear on the: neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs. They’re classified as benign growths, or tumors, of fatty tissue. This means a lipoma isn’t cancerous and is rarely harmful.

Source

Symptoms

There are many types of skin tumors, but a lipoma usually has distinct characteristics. If you suspect that you have a lipoma it will generally:

• be soft to the touch
• move easily if prodded with your finger
• be just under the skin
• be pale
• be colorless
• grow slowly

Risk Factors

• adiposis dolorosa (a rare disorder characterized by multiple, painful lipomas)
• Cowden syndrome
• Gardner’s syndrome
• Madelung’s disease

Diagnosis

Doctors can often diagnose a lipoma by performing a physical exam. It feels soft and isn’t painful. Also, since it’s made up of fatty tissues, the lipoma moves easily when touched.

Treatment

A lipoma that’s left alone usually doesn’t cause any problems. However, your dermatologist can treat the lump if it bothers you. Your dermatologist will make the best treatment recommendation based on a variety of factors including:

• the size of the lipoma
• the number of skin tumors you have
• your personal history of skin cancer
• your family history of skin cancer
• whether the lipoma is painful