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A lipoma is a benign tumour made up of fatty tissue. It is a low-growing lump, which is soft to touch, and is situated between the skin and underlying muscle layer. Because of its position between the tissue layers, it is generally mobile, and can be moved easily with slight finger pressure.
Lipomas most commonly develop in middle age, but can also occur in younger individuals. As lipomas are benign, treatment is generally not necessary, unless it is situated in a position that is bothersome, becomes painful, or starts growing in size.
What Causes Lipomas?
The exact cause of lipomas is unknown. However, lipomas have been observed to run in families, and there are certain genetic conditions (eg. familial multiple lipomatosis) which predispose one to developing lipomas.
There have also been reported cases in which minor injuries have been alleged to trigger lipoma development. However, the link between injury and the development of the so-called "post-traumatic lipoma" is somewhat controversial.
Treatment For Lipomas
Treatment is usually unnecessary as lipomas are benign and generally do not cause problems. Removal, by excision, is done in the following circumstances:
• For cosmetic reasons
• If the lipoma becomes painful
• If the lipoma is situated in a part of the body that restricts movement or is bothersome
• If the lipoma grows very large
• If the lipoma becomes repeatedly infflammed and infected
Simple excision of lipomas is usually done under local anaesthesia. Local anaesthesia is infiltrated into the skin surrounding the lipoma, an incision is made in the skin, the lipoma, together with its surrounding fibrous capsule is removed, and the incision is closed with sutures. Very large lipomas, or lipomas situated in an area of the body not easily reached by simple incision in the skin, may require general anaesthesia.
Lipomas very rarely undergo malignant transformation into liposarcomas. Most liposarcomas, in fact, do not originate from pre-existing benign lipomas.
The article above is meant to provide general information and does not replace a doctor's consultation.
Please see your doctor for professional advice.
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