Lipoma Removal

Lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that’s is most often situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. At certain locations of the body, it can be deep to the muscle.

A lipoma is benign and is usually harmless.

Treatment is required if  a Lipoma is :

1. Bothersome (rubs against clothing, etc.)

2. Cosmetcially concerns a patient

3. Suspicious (rarely could be a cancer)

4. Painful/causes discomfort

5. Is gradually growing in size and causes pressure symptoms.

For the above, it may be removed by a minor surgical procedure under local anesthesia.

Symptoms

Lipomas can occur anywhere on the body. They are typically:

1. Situated just under the skin. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulder areas, back, abdomen, arms and thighs.

2. Soft and doughy to the touch. They also move easily with finger pressure.

3. Generally small. Lipomas are typically less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) in diameter, but they can grow much larger.

4. Sometimes painful. Lipomas can be painful if they grow and press on nearby tissues and nerves causing pressure symptoms.

Causes

The cause of lipomas isn’t fully understood. They tend to run in families, so genetic factors may play a role in their development.

Treatment

If the lipoma is not bothersome symptomatically or cosmetically it may be left untreated,

If the lipoma is bothersome cosmetically, is painful or is growing, it may be recommended that it is removed under local anesthesia. Lipoma removal procedures include :

1. Surgical removal. Most lipomas are removed surgically under local anesthesia.

2. Liposuction. This procedure uses a surgical technique to suction out the lipoma as it is fatty tissue. It is suitable for large lipomas. The procedure may be carried out under local anesthesia.