ABOUT THE DISEASE

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue. It is a small, soft, rubbery lump located just beneath the skin. Mostly painless they are most often found on the upper back, shoulders, arms, buttocks, and upper thighs.

Although lipomas can occur at any age, they most often appear between the ages of 40 and 60 years.Lipomas generally do not change after they form, and have very little potential for becoming cancerous. These are the most common non cancerous tumors in adults. Most lipomas do not hurt unless they are squeezed or bruised.

SYMPTOMS

Lipomas are usually roundish masses that feel soft and rubbery. Those just under the skin can be moved with just gentle pushing. They typically do not hurt, although some of the subtypes can be painful, such as angiolipoma.

It often takes longer to notice lipomas that are in deeper tissue, and these tumors can be quite large when they are actually discovered. Deeper lipomas also tend to be less mobile.

CAUSES

The exact causes of a lipoma are unknown. Sometimes they might be caused by a physical trauma, in other cases, genetic conditions such as Gardner syndrome and hereditary multiple lipomatosis can cause a person to have multiple lipomas.

It is also observed in Males affected with a condition called Madelung`s disease.

DIAGNOSIS

- Physical examination
- X ray or a MRI Scan
- Biopsy

TREATMENT METHODS

Since the tumors are mostly benign, in many cases no treatment is suggested. However, if they are painful or growing too fast, then the only treatment that will completely remove a lipoma is a simple surgical procedure called excision of lipoma.

Liposuction can be useful for larger lipomas, but the procedure is associated with a higher rate of recurrence (growing back).

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