What is Lipoma?

1. Introduction

Lipoma is a generally benign (non-cancerous) fatty tissue tumor that can occur in any part of the body. These masses develop from fat cells and usually grow slowly. They are usually painless, but as they grow, they can cause discomfort by pressing on surrounding tissues.

Lipoma Symptoms

Lipomas are usually noticed as soft, mobile, and smooth-surfaced masses under the skin. These masses are usually painless, but sometimes when they grow, they can press on surrounding tissues and cause mild pain or discomfort. The main symptoms of lipoma are:

• A soft, mobile and usually round or oval-shaped mass under the skin
• The mass increases in size over time
• Usually painless (in some cases, pain may be felt due to pressure as it grows)
• No change in skin color, i.e. an appearance generally compatible with the skin

Causes of Lipoma

Although the exact cause of lipomas is not known, some factors may be effective in the formation of these benign tumors:

• Genetic Factors: Lipomas can sometimes show a familial tendency. In other words, they tend to be more common in people with a family history of lipomas. In addition, some genetic diseases (for example, Madelung disease or Gardner syndrome) can lead to the development of lipomas.
• Age: Lipomas are more common in individuals between the ages of 40 and 60, but they can develop at any age.
• Gender: They can occur equally in men and women, but some studies suggest that they are more common in men.
• Trauma or Injury: Some experts believe that repeated trauma or injuries may lead to the development of lipomas, but there is no definitive evidence on this subject.

Diagnosing Lipoma

Lipomas are usually detected during a physical examination. The doctor will palpate the body to feel the mass under the skin and observe that the mass is soft and mobile. The chance of success is clearly increased when the diagnosis and treatment are performed by an orthopedic tumor surgeon. The diagnosis of lipomas is usually confirmed with the following methods:

• MRI
• Biopsy: If there is a suspicious situation or if the lipoma is thought to be confused with another tumor, a tissue sample is taken from the mass and examined under a microscope.

Lipoma Treatment

If the lipoma grows, is deep, is large, causes pain or is aesthetically disturbing, treatment is required. Rarely, it can worsen.

Surgical Intervention: The most common treatment method for lipomas is surgical removal. Removing the entire lipoma minimizes the risk of recurrence.

Prognosis of Lipoma

Lipomas are benign and usually do not recur after treatment. However, some lipomas can recur and grow back within a few years. Most lipomas are harmless, but when they grow, they can put pressure on surrounding tissues and cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. In this case, surgical intervention may be necessary.

Conclusion

Lipomas do not pose a serious health threat most of the time, but sometimes they can cause discomfort when they grow. If you notice a mobile, soft, and painless mass on your skin, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. These benign tumors, which are usually treatable, can be cured with early intervention.

Although it is important to remember that lipomas are generally benign, it is important to consult your doctor about any mass. Early diagnosis and treatment can improve the quality of life of patients.