About this topic
A slow-growing fatty lump or tumor is a lipoma. It is not cancer. It is found between your skin and muscle. Most often, people have lipomas on their back, neck, or shoulders. They can also grow on the belly, arms, armpits, thighs, and legs. You may have more than one at a time. ‚
What are the causes?
Doctors do not know what causes lipomas. They often run in families, so there may be a genetic link. ‚
What can make this more likely to happen?
You are more likely to have lipomas if you are between 40 and 60 years old. Some diseases also make you more likely to have them. ‚
What are the main signs?
- One or more lumps that are soft and doughy feeling when touched
- Lump moves easily when touched
- May or may not be painful. This depends on if they are pressing on nearby nerves or if they contain many blood vessels.
- Lipomas grow very slowly. They may remain the same size for a very long time.
How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?
The doctor will do an exam and check all of your lumps. The doctor will feel the lump and see if it moves easily. Your doctor may ask you if it is painful. The lump may be measured. Most often, the doctor can diagnose a lipoma with an exam. ‚
A small piece of the lump may need to be sent to the lab if the doctor is not sure what kind of a tumor it is. An ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used if the lipoma seems large, or goes deeper than the fatty tissue. ‚
How does the doctor treat this health problem?
You may not need any treatment at all. The doctor may just want to watch the lump to see if it grows. Drugs may be ordered if the lump has a foul-smelling discharge. ‚
You may need to have the lipoma taken out if it is pressing on nerves or blood vessels. You may also need to have it removed if it is infected, swollen, or causing problems with moving. It the lipoma is getting bigger, the doctor may want to take it out. It may also be removed if you do not like how it looks. This can be done by surgery or liposuction. ‚
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Family Physicians ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/lipomas.printerview.all.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoma/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚