A lipoma is a soft lump made of fatty tissue that sits just under the skin. Lipomas are very common and almost always harmless. They tend to grow slowly, feel soft and moveable, and are usually painless. Many people simply leave them alone, but a lipoma can be removed if it is growing, causing discomfort, or in a place where it catches or is noticeable. An assessment confirms the diagnosis and rules out other causes of a lump.
What causes a lipoma?
A benign growth of fat cells
a harmless build-up of fat just under the skin
A tendency to develop them
some people are more prone, and they can run in families
Slow growth
they tend to enlarge gradually over time
Usually painless
most cause no discomfort unless pressing on something
Not fully understood
the exact trigger is not always clear
When to seek assessment promptly
- A new lump you want confirmed
- A lump that is growing quickly
- A lump that becomes painful, firm or fixed
- Changes in the skin over a lump
- Any lump you are unsure about
How it is treated
If removal is the right choice, a lipoma is usually taken out through a small procedure under local anaesthetic, or under general anaesthetic if it is large or deep. Many lipomas do not need any treatment at all and can simply be monitored. When one is removed, it is generally sent for examination to confirm the diagnosis. Mr Kimble explains what to expect, provides clear aftercare and reviews healing.
A lipoma is rarely urgent. See a doctor promptly, though, if a lump grows quickly, becomes painful, feels hard or fixed, or the overlying skin changes, so it can be assessed properly.