Lipomas

Lipomas are benign (non-cancerous) growths of fatty tissue that develop under the skin. They are usually soft, slow-growing, and painless, and can appear anywhere on the body, but they are most common on the shoulders, back, neck, arms, or thighs. Here’s a detailed guide to understanding and managing lipomas:

Characteristics of Lipomas

• Texture: Soft, doughy, and easily movable under the skin.
• Size: Usually small (2 to 3 cm), but they can grow larger in some cases.
• Pain: Typically painless, though they may cause discomfort if they press on nerves or are near joints.
• Shape: Usually round or oval.
• Growth: Slow-growing and generally stable over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

1. Genetics:
   • Family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of developing them.
   • Associated with certain genetic conditions (e.g., familial multiple lipomatosis).
2. Age:
   • Commonly appears in middle age (40 to 60 years old).
3. Injuries:
   • Trauma to an area might trigger lipoma formation, though this is rare.
4. Medical Conditions:
   • Linked to conditions like Madelung’s disease, Gardner syndrome, or Dercum’s disease in rare cases.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While lipomas are benign, consult a doctor if:

• The lump grows rapidly.
• It becomes painful or tender.
• It feels hard, immovable, or irregular.
• There are associated symptoms like redness, warmth, or drainage.
• The lump interferes with movement or daily activities.

Diagnosis

A dermatologist may use the following to confirm a lipoma:

1. Physical Examination:
   • Assess size, texture, and mobility.
2. Imaging Tests:
   • Ultrasound: To determine the lump’s composition.
   • MRI or CT Scan: For deeper or larger lipomas.
3. Biopsy:
   • To rule out other conditions, such as liposarcoma (a rare cancer).

Treatment Options

Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns. Treatment options include:

1. Observation

• If the lipoma is small, painless, and not growing, regular monitoring is often sufficient.

2. Surgical Removal

• Procedure: The lipoma is excised under local or general anesthesia.
• Indications:
  • Large or growing lipomas.
  • Painful or symptomatic lipomas.
  • Cosmetic concerns.

3. Steroid Injections

• Reduce the size of the lipoma temporarily, but they do not remove it completely.

We have various treatments to help remove the lipomas, contact our office today! Trust your skin to the experts at Design Dermatology & Aesthetics—book your appointment now.

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