Lipoma
Alternative Names
LipomaWhat is Lipoma
Lipoma is a soft, fatty lump that grows slowly under the skin. A lipoma can be identified easily by the finger touch. It is doughy and usually not tender. More than one lipoma may appear on a body. People of any age are exposed to lipomas. A lipoma is not a cancer and is usually harmless for human health.
Signs and symptoms
Lipomas can be easily detected because they are located just under your skin. They commonly occur in the neck, shoulders, back, abdomen, arms and thighs. They are soft and doughy to the touch and generally small (less than 2 inches in diameter) but they can grow larger. Sometimes they are painful if they grow and press on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.
Possible complications
Lipoma can grow and persist during your life time.
What causes
The exact causes of lipomas are not known yet. Actually lipomas tend to appear in members of the family. So, genetic factors influence their onset.
Prevention
As causes of lipomas are not clearly defined, there are no evident ways to prevent them.
Treatment
Usually s do not require special treatment. But if lipomas make discomfort to you, are painful or growing rapidly, they can be removed surgically. Due to steroid injections lipomas shrink but do not usually disappear completely. Liposuction can be used for removing lipomas with a needle and a large syringe.
