Lipoma

(Fatty Tumor)

Definition

A lipoma is a harmless lump of fat. There are several types, usually classified by where they appear. Lipomas may occur anywhere and are commonly are found just beneath the skin.

Benign Tumor

Causes

Lipomas have no known cause. They may be related to a previous injury to the tissue.

Risk Factors

Factors that increase your chances of developing a lipoma include:

Family history
Lipomatosis, a hereditary condition that results in lipomas all over the body
Adiposis dolorosa, a rare condition that results in painful lipomas

Symptoms

Lipomas are usually soft, painless, moveable lumps under the skin. They usually don't cause symptoms.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The diagnosis is usually based on smoothness, softness, and ease of movement under the skin. Your doctor may do a biopsy to rule out other skin conditions.

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. You may want to leave the lump alone. Treatment options include:

Surgical excision—lipomas are cut out
Liposuction—removes excess fat from under the skin

Prevention

There are no current guidelines to prevent lipoma.

RESOURCES

American Society of Dermatology http://www.asd.org

American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The Canadian Society of Plastic Surgeons http://www.plasticsurgery.ca

Dermatologists.ca http://www.dermatologists.ca

References

Lipoma. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php. Updated September 28, 2011. Accessed June 4, 2013.

Lipomas. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy website. Available at: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic%5Fdisorders/benign%5Fskin%5Ftumors/lipomas.html. Updated February 2012. Accessed June 4, 2013.

Lipoplasty. American Society of Plastic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction.html. Accessed June 4, 2013.

Salam GA. Lipoma excision. Am Fam Physician. 2002;65:901-904.

Revision Information

Reviewer: Brian Randall, MD
Review Date: 06/2013
Update Date: 06/04/2013

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.