What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Skin Lump

What is Lipoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Lipomas are very common benign tumors of fat tissues (adipose tissues). They are usually observed in adults between the ages 40-60 years; although, they may occur in any individual, at any age
• Lipomas can occur in almost every part of the body. In less than 5% of individuals, they could occur as multiple masses in different parts of the body
• Lipoma usually occurs just below the skin and are normally painless; though, sometimes they are painful
• No treatment is required in most cases; though a complete surgical excision may be performed, if required. The prognosis of Lipoma is excellent

Who gets Lipoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Adults between 40-60 years are generally affected by Lipomas, though they can occur at any age
• Both males and females are affected; a slight predilection for males is observed
• No racial or ethnic preference is noted

What are the Risk Factors for Lipoma? (Predisposing Factors)

No risk factors are evident for Lipoma in a majority of the cases.

• However, certain subtypes of tumors are linked to certain preexisting conditions
• In some individuals, having a family history of Lipoma increases the risk

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Lipoma? (Etiology)

The exact cause and mechanism of Lipoma formation is unknown.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lipoma?

The signs and symptoms of Lipoma include:

• Individuals frequently have a slow-growing lump under the skin. The lump is typically painless, but can be occasionally painful
• The skin over the mass is intact; the mass is usually moveable under the skin
• Usually the mass is small (less than 3 cm), but if the masses grow, it may give rise to cosmetic issues
• The tumors may occur anywhere on the body, but are commonly noticed under the skin. Nevertheless, they have been found in organs, such as the breast, muscle, kidney, liver, spleen, and even the brain

How is Lipoma Diagnosed?

Lipomas are diagnosed using the following tools:

• Complete physical examination and a thorough evaluation of individual’s medical history
• Histopathological studies conducted on a biopsy specimen - the specimen is examined under a microscope by a pathologist, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Lipoma?

Complications due to Lipoma could include:

• Recurrence of the tumor after surgery (if surgery does not entirely remove the tumor)
• The tumors may become large, causing cosmetic issues

How is Lipoma Treated?

The treatment measures for Lipoma may include the following:

• In most of the individuals, no treatment is necessary
• Complete surgical excision of Lipoma is the treatment of choice, if the individuals have the following signs and symptoms:
  • The tumor is infected, with or without foul-smelling pus discharge
  • Sudden increase in size of the Lipoma
  • If the tumor that was painless, suddenly becomes painful
  • If the skin tumor causes cosmetic issues
  • If the tumor affects the normal functioning of a joint

How can Lipoma be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Lipoma (benign tumor) formation.

What is the Prognosis of Lipoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Lipoma is excellent through complete excision of the fat tissue tumor
• The tumor may recur, if it is incompletely removed

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Lipoma:

• There are many subtypes of Lipomas, but all are benign tumors
• Sometimes, Lipomas can occur in muscle, which is called intra-muscular Lipoma. They can also occur in the bones, called bone Lipomas