Understanding Lipoma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

A lipoma is a common, benign (non-cancerous) tumour composed of fat cells. While generally harmless, these soft, slow-growing lumps can sometimes cause discomfort or concern due to their size or location. Understanding what lipomas are, why they develop, and what treatment options are available can help individuals make informed decisions about their health.

What Is Lipoma?

A lipoma is a fatty lump that grows between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. They are usually soft to the touch, moveable, and painless. While it can develop anywhere on the body, they are most often found on the neck, shoulders, arms, thighs, and back.

It may vary in size, with most being smaller than 5 cm in diameter. In rare cases, they can grow larger, causing discomfort or pressure on nearby nerves. Although these are non-cancerous, some people opt for treatment if the lump becomes bothersome or continues to grow.

Causes of Lipoma

The exact cause of lipomas is not fully understood, but several factors are believed to contribute to their development, including:

• Genetics – A family history of lipomas increases the likelihood of developing them.
• Age – These are most commonly found in adults aged 40 to 60, although they can occur at any age.
• Injuries – Some research suggests that these may form in areas where trauma has occurred, though this is not always the case.
• Medical Conditions – Certain conditions, such as adiposis dolorosa, Madelung’s disease, and Gardner’s syndrome, can increase the risk of developing multiple lipomas.

Lipoma Symptoms

These are usually easy to identify due to their characteristic features:

• Soft and Doughy Texture – The lump is typically soft and compressible under the skin.
• Slow Growth – They develop gradually over months or years.
• Painlessness – Most of these do not cause pain unless they press against nerves or blood vessels.
• Mobility – Unlike cysts or other lumps, they move slightly when pressed.

If a lump grows rapidly, becomes painful, or has unusual characteristics (such as being hard or fixed), a medical evaluation is recommended to rule out other conditions.

Lipoma Treatment Options

While lipomas are harmless and often do not require treatment, some individuals choose to have them removed for cosmetic reasons or due to discomfort. There are several treatment options available:

A. Observation

For small, painless ones that are not causing any problems, no treatment is necessary. Regular monitoring is advised to ensure there are no significant changes in size or texture.

B. Lipoma Removal Surgery

Surgical excision is the most effective way to remove it. The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic, and the surgeon makes a small incision to extract the fatty lump. This method ensures complete removal, reducing the chance of recurrence.

If you are considering lipoma removal in London, many clinics offer expert surgical procedures with minimal scarring and quick recovery times.

C. Liposuction

Liposuction may be used to remove larger ones with minimal scarring. A thin tube (cannula) is inserted into the lump, and the fatty tissue is suctioned out. This method is less invasive than surgery, but there is a small risk of it regrowing.

D. Steroid Injections

Steroid injections can help shrink it, though they do not completely remove them. This treatment is less commonly used and may not be effective for larger lumps.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Although these are benign, it is important to consult a doctor if:

• The lump grows rapidly or changes in texture.
• It becomes painful or tender.
• The lipoma is in an area that restricts movement.
• There is no concern that the lump may not be a lipoma.

For those considering lipoma removal in London, private dermatologists and surgeons offer consultations to assess the best treatment options. NHS treatment is available in some cases, particularly if it is causing significant discomfort.

Final Thoughts

Lipomas are generally harmless fatty lumps that do not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or aesthetic concerns. While their exact cause is not fully understood, they are often linked to genetic factors. Several treatment options exist, including surgical removal, liposuction, and steroid injections.

If it is bothering you, seeking professional advice can help determine the best course of action. Whether opting for observation or removal, understanding your options ensures you make the right choice for your health and well-being.