Lipoma
(Fatty Tumor)
Definition
A lipoma is a harmless lump of fat. There are several types, usually classified by where they appear. Lipomas may occur anywhere and are commonly are found just beneath the skin.
Benign Tumor
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Risk Factors
Factors that increase your chances of developing a lipoma include:
- Family history
- Lipomatosis, a hereditary condition that results in lipomas all over the body
- Adiposis dolorosa, a rare condition that results in painful lipomas
Symptoms
Lipomas are usually soft, painless, moveable lumps under the skin. They usually don't cause symptoms.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is usually based on smoothness, softness, and ease of movement under the skin. Your doctor may do a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions.
Treatment
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. You may want to leave the lump alone. Treatment options include:
- Surgical excision—lipomas are cut out
- Liposuction—removes excess fat from under the skin
RESOURCES:
American Society of Dermatology
http://www.asd.org
American Academy of Family Physicians
http://familydoctor.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.ca
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca
REFERENCES:
Lipoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what. Updated September 28, 2011. Accessed June 4, 2013.
Lipomas. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy website. Available at: http://www.merckma.... Updated February 2012. Accessed June 4, 2013.
Lipoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plastic.... Accessed June 4, 2013.
Salam GA. Lipoma excision. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65:901-904.
Last reviewed June 2013 by Brian Randall, MD
Last Updated: 6/4/2013
Copyright © 2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.