Lipoma is a benign fatty tumour. It consists of a proliferation of fat cells in the subcutaneous fatty tissue. Unlike the related, very rare, malignant liposarcoma, lipomas are relatively common. An estimated about 2% of people are affected during their lifetime. Treatment for a lipoma is only necessary if it is very large and is cosmetically unattractive or irritating due to its unfavourable location or if a definitive diagnosis is desired.

To this day, the cause of lipomas remains unknown. Genetic factors seem to play a role, whereas being overweight is not relevant to the development of lipomas.

Lipomas tend to occur in older age, but can occur generally at any age. They are most commonly found in the subcutaneous fatty tissue of the neck, back, arms, abdomen or thighs. They are usually felt as a lump underneath the skin that is clearly definable and can be moved with the skin. In rare cases, lipomas can also occur in the deeper fatty tissue of muscles or organs, in which case they require clarification. Lipomas usually grow slowly and do not cause any pain. Sizewise, they can range from a few millimetres to a few centimetres in diameter.

The presumptive diagnosis of a lipoma can usually already be made based on its characteristic appearance. In the event of any certainty regarding the nature of the tumour, a biopsy for orientation purposes with an examination of the tissue will provide clarity. Deeper lipomas may occasionally require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography.

Due to their benign nature, no treatment is usually needed for lipomas. If a lipoma is cosmetically unattractive, very large or is in an irritating location (e.g. under a watch strap or bra strap), it can be surgically removed. Removal is usually carried out on an outpatient basis using local anaesthesia.

Centres 3

4329635-dr-med-lars-uwe-lahoda
Medically revised by