On this page, you will find everything you need to know about Benign Lipoma.
What is a benign lipoma?
Lipomas are benign tumors of soft tissue. They are round or oval-shaped masses of tissue that grow directly beneath the skin, resulting from fat that moves easily when touched and usually does not cause pain. Some lipomas may also contain blood vessels or other tissue. There are several types of lipomas, including:
- Angiolipoma: Contains both fat and blood vessels. Angiolipomas are often painful.
- Conventional lipoma: The most common type, consisting of white fat cells. White fat cells store energy.
- Fibrolipoma: Composed of both fatty and fibrous tissue.
- Hibernoma: Contains brown fat. Most other lipomas contain white fat. Brown fat cells generate heat and help regulate body temperature.
- Myelolipoma: Contains fat and tissue that produces blood cells.
- Spindle cell lipoma: Fat cells in these lipomas are longer than they are wide.
- Pleomorphic lipoma: Contains fat cells of different sizes and shapes.
What are the symptoms of a benign lipoma?
Many people with lipomas do not notice any symptoms. Typically, lipomas are:
- Do not spread into surrounding tissues.
- Painless; however, some lipomas may cause pain or discomfort depending on their size, location, and whether blood vessels are involved.
- Round or oval in shape.
- Located just under the surface of the skin and movable when touched.
- Smaller than 2 inches in diameter; in rare cases, they may grow larger than 6 inches.
What causes benign lipomas?
Certain conditions may cause multiple lipomas to form on the body. Causes include:
- Dercum’s disease: A rare disorder causing painful lipomas, often on the arms, legs, and trunk. Also called Anders’ syndrome.
- Gardner’s syndrome: A form of familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) that causes lipomas and other health problems.
- Familial multiple lipomatosis: Also called hereditary multiple lipomatosis, passed down genetically.
- Madelung’s disease: Occurs mostly in men who drink alcohol excessively. Also called multiple symmetric lipomatosis, it causes lipomas to grow around the neck and shoulders.
How is a benign lipoma diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested if needed, such as:
- Biopsy to confirm the lipoma is not cancerous.
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How is a benign lipoma treated?
Most lipomas do not require treatment. However, if a lipoma causes discomfort, it can be surgically removed. Lipoma removal surgery is safe and effective.
How can benign lipomas be prevented?
Lipomas are hereditary, meaning traits are passed from parents to children, so they cannot be prevented. However, you can reduce the risk of Madelung’s disease (which causes lipomas) by limiting alcohol consumption.
What are the complications of benign lipomas?
Lipomas usually do not cause complications. In some cases, however, the masses may press on nerves or cause bowel obstruction, leading to additional symptoms.
When should you see a doctor?
If you notice any lump or swelling beneath your skin, you should see a doctor for examination and evaluation to rule out serious conditions, such as liposarcoma ().
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can lipomas turn into malignant (cancerous) tumors?
It depends on the type. If the tumor is confirmed to be a lipoma, it is most likely benign and does not turn into cancer.
Can a lipoma return after surgical removal?
Yes, in some cases, a lipoma can recur even after surgical removal.
