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OVERVIEW

What are lipomas?

Lipomas are benign (not cancerous), slow-growing tumors that come from fat cells. They are usually round, moveable lumps under the skin. They feel soft and doughy or rubbery. Lipomas usually grow in the neck, shoulders, back or arms. Lipomas are the most common noncancerous tumor in adults. Most lipomas do not hurt unless they are squeezed or bruised.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of a lipoma?

Often, a lipoma has been growing for years before it is noticeable. It is fairly common to have more than one lipoma. If you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, you should have it checked by your healthcare provider. In some cases, a lump can be a sign of a more serious problem.

CAUSES

Healthcare providers don’t know exactly what causes lipomas to grow. They can occur at any age, but they often appear when you’re between 40 and 60 years of age. Sometimes they run in families. Sometimes they are caused by an injury. Lipomas are not caused by being overweight.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How are lipomas diagnosed?

Tests are usually not needed to diagnose a lipoma. Your healthcare provider can usually diagnose it just by looking at it and feeling the firmness of the lump. They may order an ultrasound to get an image of the growth to confirm the diagnosis.

PREVENTION

Can lipomas be prevented or avoided?

There is no proven method for preventing lipomas from forming.

TREATMENT

How are lipomas treated?

Lipomas are almost always benign. They usually do not need treatment. If they are painful or are growing quickly, you may want to have treatment. Treatment options include steroid shots, liposuction or surgery to remove the lipoma. Your healthcare provider can help you decide what is right for you.

Living with lipomas

Once your healthcare provider confirms that you have a lipoma, you can choose your next step. Does your lipoma interfere with your day-to-day activities? If not, you can just leave it alone. But if it makes you uncomfortable, you can have it surgically removed.