What is Lipoma?: Causes, Symptoms, Pictures and Types
A lipoma is a benign lump of fatty tissue that grows gradually between the skin layer and the underlying muscle. It often occurs in people aged 50-60 years and an individual can have more than one lipoma.
Varying in size, a lipoma is generally harmless and may not require treatment. However, if it is bothersome to you, a lipoma can be removed through surgery. This condition is also referred to as ‘Charbi ki Ganth’ in Hindi.
Let’s learn more about lipoma definition, symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and more through lipoma pictures.
| Disease Name | Lipoma |
| Alternative Name | Fatty Tumour |
| Symptoms | Soft and movable lump, Round or oval-shape, Slow growth, Encapsulated |
| Causes | Hereditary, Dercum’s disease, Gardner’s syndrome, Madelung’s disease |
| Diagnosis | Physical examination, Imaging tests such as X-ray, MRI, CT scan, Biopsy |
| Treated by | General Surgeon, Cosmetic and Plastic Surgeon |
| Treatment options | Lipoma excision, Liposuction |
What is Lipoma?
A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor composed of adipose (fat) tissue. These growths are typically soft to the touch, movable under the skin, and painless. Lipomas are among the most common types of soft tissue tumors.
The exact cause of lipomas is often unknown, but they tend to run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition. They can occur at any age but are most commonly found in adults. Lipomas are usually slow-growing and are generally harmless. However, they can be bothersome if they press on nerves or other structures, causing pain or discomfort.
While lipomas are typically harmless, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional if you notice any new or changing lumps under your skin. In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend removal of a lipoma if it is causing symptoms or concerns. The removal is typically a minor surgical procedure done for cosmetic reasons or if the lipoma is causing discomfort.
Lipomas, as a general category, are primarily classified based on their location and certain characteristics. Here are some types of lipomas:
Superficial Subcutaneous Lipoma:
- This is the most common type of lipoma, located just beneath the skin.
- It’s easily movable and feels soft to the touch.
Deep Intramuscular Lipoma:
- Found within the muscle tissue.
- May be more challenging to detect and remove due to its location.
Intradermal Lipoma:
- Typically occurs in the dermal layer of the skin.
- Often seen on the scalp, face, neck, and upper back.
Angiolipoma:
- Contains a significant amount of blood vessels.
- May be more painful than typical lipomas.
Spindle Cell Lipoma:
- Characterized by the presence of spindle cells in addition to fat cells.
- Most commonly found in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Hibernoma:
- A rare type of lipoma with brown fat cells.
- Usually found in the neck and upper back.
Pleomorphic Lipoma:
- Contains a mixture of fat cells and cells with varying shapes and sizes.
- Often found in the neck and shoulders of older individuals.
Lipomas typically do not cause noticeable symptoms, especially when they are small and located in less sensitive areas. However, in some cases, individuals may experience the following:
Visible or Palpable Lump:
- The most common symptom is the presence of a soft, movable lump beneath the skin.
- The lump is often painless and may be noticed during routine self-examinations or when it grows large enough to be visible.
Tenderness or Pain:
- Larger lipomas or those pressing on nerves or surrounding tissues may cause tenderness or discomfort.
- Pain is not a typical feature of lipomas, but it can occur if the lipoma impinges on nerves or other structures.
Changes in Size or Appearance:
- Lipomas are generally slow-growing, but changes in size or appearance should be monitored.
- Rapid growth or alterations in characteristics may require medical evaluation.
Compression Symptoms:
- In some cases, larger lipomas can compress adjacent structures, leading to symptoms such as difficulty moving a limb or compressive neuropathy.
Cosmetic Concerns:
- Lipomas in visible or prominent areas may raise cosmetic concerns, prompting individuals to seek removal for aesthetic reasons.
The exact cause of lipomas is often unknown, and they can develop in the absence of clear risk factors. However, several factors and associations have been observed:
Genetic Predisposition:
- There is evidence to suggest a genetic component to the development of lipomas. They can run in families, and individuals with a family history of lipomas may be more prone to developing them.
Age:
- Lipomas are more commonly diagnosed in adults, usually between the ages of 40 and 60. However, they can occur at any age.
Gender:
- Lipomas are slightly more common in men than in women.
Heredity:
- Some people may have a hereditary tendency to develop lipomas. Certain genetic conditions, such as familial multiple lipomatosis, are associated with an increased risk.
Medical Conditions:
- Lipomas have been observed in association with certain medical conditions, such as Gardner syndrome, adiposis dolorosa, and Madelung’s disease.
Trauma:
- While the direct link is not well-established, some cases of lipomas have been reported to develop at the site of previous trauma or injury.
Metabolic Factors:
- Changes in metabolism or disturbances in fat metabolism have been proposed as potential contributors to lipoma development, but the mechanisms are not fully understood.
Preventing the development of lipomas can be challenging because the exact cause is often unknown, and many cases are likely influenced by genetic factors. However, there are no specific preventive measures established for lipomas. If you are concerned about the development of lipomas or have a family history of these growths, consider the following general health practices:
Maintain a Healthy Weight:
- Although lipomas are not directly linked to being overweight, maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise contributes to overall well-being.
Stay Active:
- Regular physical activity is important for overall health and may help regulate metabolism.
Monitor Changes:
- Perform regular self-examinations of your body to monitor for any new or changing lumps or bumps. If you notice anything unusual, consult with a healthcare professional.
Genetic Counseling:
- If you have a family history of lipomas or a genetic predisposition, consider seeking genetic counseling. A genetic counselor can provide information about your risk and guidance on monitoring or managing the condition.
Healthy Lifestyle Choices:
- Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and not smoking, may contribute to overall well-being.
