Lipoma

Overview

A lipoma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor made up of fat tissue. It usually appears as a soft, slow-growing lump under the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. Lipomas are generally harmless and painless, and they do not spread to other parts of the body.

Causes

Genetic factors
Family history
Minor injuries (in some cases)
Middle age (more common in adults)

Symptoms

Soft, movable lump under the skin
Painless swelling
Slow growth over time
Usually less than 5 cm in size

Note: Lipomas are typically painless, but larger ones may cause discomfort if pressing on nearby nerves.

Complications

Cosmetic concern
Rarely causes discomfort due to pressure on nerves
Very rarely may be confused with malignant tumors

Diagnosis

Clinical examination
Ultrasound
FNAC or biopsy (if needed)

Treatment

✔ Observation (if small and asymptomatic)
✔ Surgical Excision

Most lipomas do not require treatment unless they cause pain, increase in size, or create cosmetic concerns. Surgical excision is a simple and effective procedure to remove the lipoma completely, with minimal chances of recurrence.

Conclusion

Lipoma is a common benign condition that is usually harmless. Proper evaluation helps differentiate it from other conditions, and treatment is straightforward when required.